Surely i shouldn't have to pay for this?

[quidproquo89]

Hey, I would like some advice please. I was invited to work for a small pharmacy company 6 months ago.

 

 

I had no prior experience so they said they would start me on a course. I decided this course wasn't for me so handed in my 2 weeks and left.

 

 

My boss said I have to pay for the course. Surely that's not lawful? They invited me to work there at minimum wage I might add. Surely the expense isn't on me? Is there an adviceline I could speak to or maybe in my contract?

 

 

Help please, I don't want to pay for this from what has turned out to be an appalling experience with this company.

[preraph]

If you'd completed the course, then they would have paid for it because they would have some return on their investment. As is, you stiffed them. But what you'll need to do is get an attorney if they persist in coming after you for the money, but that will likely cost you even more. If it isn't too much, just pay it. If it is just wait and see if they sue you for it -- but if they win, you'll also have to pay their attorney, etc.

 

Did you sign anything saying you have to complete the course? Look at all your paperwork real good.

[pink_sugar]

I would actually take this up with your dept of labor if you are in the U.S. laws vary from state to state, but I have never heard of an employer asking for what they paid you to train you.

 

Damn...nevermind. you're in England. Still, I would look into the company that enforces labor law in your area.

 

I agree with Peraph...look at all your new hire documents and make sure you didn't sign anything agreeing to this. Small companies may not be privy to laws ans procedures. I had a woman try to doc my pay for lack or effort or mistakes on the job. Sure made a fool of her in the labor office.

Edited June 4, 2015 by pink_sugar

[GemmaUK]

Call around local recommended solicitors and find a solicitor working in employment law.

In the UK you can get a free half hour first consultation which should let you know where you stand.

Failing that, go to the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

For the record, no I don't think they can sue you for payment of the course - but I'm not a solicitor.

[BikerAccnt]

It would depend on the employment agreement you signed. Where I work, there is tuition reimbursement, with a clause. The clause is that you agree to work for the company, unless terminated for cause, for at least 2 years after the completion of the degree program. If you don't, you are required to repay the tuition costs.

 

 

Kind of makes sense, as they don't want to pay for your education only to have you take it and go somewhere else.

[rester]

It would depend on the employment agreement you signed. Where I work, there is tuition reimbursement, with a clause. The clause is that you agree to work for the company, unless terminated for cause, for at least 2 years after the completion of the degree program. If you don't, you are required to repay the tuition costs.

 

I have seen similar agreements. Did you sign anything? First step would be to re-read what you signed.

[Clarence_Boddicker]

Check your labour laws & the terms of your employment contract.

[kenmore]

Here in the U.S. we have a small claims court which handles cases under a certain dollar value (it used to be $5,000 but I haven't looked in awhile.) Do they have something similar there? If so and if it's less than the amount, you represent yourself and they represent themselves. Most likely they wouldn't bother because it's not worth their time.

 

But if you signed a contract that says something like BikerAccnt said, then you are pretty much stuck with it.

 

Good luck and yeah, that would suck!

 

Ken