Employer wants paying for IPAF course

[edexlab]

I've got a new job starting next month and my current employer is saying I have to pay for an IPAF course I did last November
I had to sign for the card when company received it, and i just put a scribble on it ,

I was told it was just saying I'd received the card, never read it ( my bad) and its come to light that I was actually signing saying that if I was to leave within 12 months that I would be liable for the £170.00 fees

I know this is common practice these days as long as the rules are followed but I've never had to sign anything like this at work tbh I didn't realise they could do it!

However I don't think it's fair to be charged fully for something for which the company may have claimed something back from the taxman ,
plus the company has had the benefit of me being able to use mewps etc for work for nearly 8 mths

I've looked at various legal sites and this contract is only valid with several inclusions

1 that the employee is clear that they are liable

2 the employee has to agree to the money being taken out at source

3 that costs should be agreed to be on a sliding scale as they've had the benefit of use of the training.

None of which has been explained in any form by the company to anyone.

Not neccesarily looking to get out of this just because of the money I just feel that they haven't done things properly and it's not fair

But they are leaving the door open for me and I would prefer to do this without burning bridges if possible
Has anyone had a similar experience or any advice on this

 

[pirate]

It's just the cost of doing business, I think...just pay it and watch out for anything similar in the future

 

[Risteard]

Then again it’s paying for something he doesn’t need, but the company needed him to have, so why should he pay anything?

In my opinion he shouldn't pay anything - assuming that his version of events is complete and accurate, of course.

 

[edexlab]

What I've written is true if it wasnt then I wouldn't be asking for other opinions on the situation
I've no problem paying for something I know I'm liable for, but when myself and 20+ others didn't realise they were signing for costs if they leave within 12 mths, I think that tells you a lot!

 

[Toneyz]

Obviously without seeing the document/form that you all signed for can't believe no one spotted it.

 

[edexlab]

Well I'll find out this week if they mention it or not.

Some colleagues don't think the company will mention it as they won't want to create an impasse which would prevent me from going back, firm is pretty desperate for skilled labour

At the end of the day, I don't intend on returning,
whether the new job works out is largely down to me

 

[Andrew Hunter]

Do not pay this. Inform them in writing signed and dated that you dispute the leagality of their claim and that if they deduct this payment from your final pay packet you shall sue them.

Firstly if what you are saying is correct then the document you claim you signed does not clearly state that this is the case. Or if as you say a number of employees all of which have signed the same document and none of which are aware of this then clearly some underhand sculduggery is affoot probably the section stating this info on a previous sheet to the part thats you signed for and was never presented at the time of signing.
Ask them for a copy of the document that they say you signed.

Secondly If they never asked would you like to do it and you never requested this course then it was thrust upon you without any choice on your behalf. And as you say is of no benifit and not had any influance on you obtaining a position in your new employment.

No company can leagally deduct funds from source without making you aware of before hand unless it is because of a court order attachment. they have to inform you in writing beforehand so that you may have chance to dispute prior to it happening should it be an error.

As for good will and doors being left open if you was to pay this and then return to their employ within a month or so do you think they would then refund the money you paid them! I think not yet it would be a requirment for you to work there clearly as they are the ones who sent you on the course.
No move on and let them slam the door shut behind you dont look back and dont give the a second thought, if it was a decent company you would not even be posting this but clearly from some of the tactics they play they are cirtainly not worth loosing sleep over, not to mention i am sure some of them tactics are on the fringe of being illigal hence the fact no Union members allowed.