Deductions for training courses
Employers can only deduct money for training courses if it was agreed in the contract or in writing beforehand.
Also, the training needed to be either:
- voluntary
- mandatory – and deducting the cost would not take the pay below National Minimum Wage
For example, an employer could ask someone to agree in writing before a training course to pay back costs if they leave within 6 months.
When a deduction can take wages below the National Minimum Wage
A deduction for training courses can only legally take someone's pay below the National Minimum Wage if they agreed to pay back costs and either:
- chose to leave
- were dismissed because of their conduct
Contact the Acas helpline to discuss your options if:
- you're making someone redundant
- a deduction for training courses would take their pay below the National Minimum Wage
Last reviewed