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Can my employer make me pay back training costs?

Whether an employer can enforce training repayment depends on when you agreed to the terms. Agreements signed after training begins may be unenforceable, especially if you weren't aware of the condition beforehand. Consult an employment lawyer to assess your specific situation before resigning.
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Hi, 

Just to give a summary, I am about 4 months into a training course which costs about £2k. About 1 month ago my employer gave me an agreement to sign which stated that if I leave the company during the training or 6 months after then I must pay back 60% over a period of 2 years. 

I felt I had to sign so I did, in hindsight I wished I argued it then. I am thinking of leaving, I have some advice which says that this isn't strictly enforceable as I wasn't aware that I would have to pay this back at the time. Being honest, if I knew this then I may have possibly reconsidered. 

Is this enforceable or shall I state my case when I leave?

Thanks in advance.

Hi, 

Just to give a summary, I am about 4 months into a training course which costs about £2k. About 1 month ago my employer gave me an agreement to sign which stated that if I leave the company during the training or 6 months after then I must pay back 60% over a period of 2 years. 

I felt I had to sign so I did, in hindsight I wished I argued it then. I am thinking of leaving, I have some advice which says that this isn't strictly enforceable as I wasn't aware that I would have to pay this back at the time. Being honest, if I knew this then I may have possibly reconsidered. 

Is this enforceable or shall I state my case when I leave?

Thanks in advance.

7 Responses

  1. Law or not law?

    Hi

    I believe the company can't do anything and you can walk away without paying.

    However, if someone has just invested £2000 in you isn't there a moral obligation to stay for a little while? 

  2. Thanks

    Hi, 

    Thanks for the response. I understand your point, unfortunately, there are some office politics in this situation. Another member of staff has had a similar amount invested in them and they haven't been made to sign an agreement.

    To me this is totally unfair and I don't I should be made to pay for something when someone in a similar position doesn't have to pay at all. 

  4. Take your point

    I take your point but it sounds more like an oversight rather than company policy that one signed and one didn't?

    In this day and age having a guaranteed job for the next two years and a company that invests in you is no bad thing…depends which way you are looking at it?

    Having all things equal in the workplace is a Utopia that doesn't exist anywhere. From where I am sitting you are very lucky! Sounds ;like your employer values you moire than the other person?

     

  5. standard practice

    I wholly agree with Steve, it may not be enforceable but I know many people who would jump through hoops to get 2k's worth of professional development (who don't get anything) and would feel hugely commited to their employer if they did.

    I too think you should give something back by staying (for a little while at least).

  7. Wow…

    Hi.

    I tend to agree o the moral obligation bit, but the company should have made the situation clear at the time of embarking on the qualification, not what looks like 3 months on.

    Many companies that do this don't enforce it, but if you have signed something, they may well have the right to do so. Having said that, I wouldn't like to be the employer in a tribunal trying to enforce this where, what might be regarded as undue pressure 3 months on, ought to be in question.

    Regards,

     

    Adrian

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