Historical salary overpayment

k3lvc

I've a fair idea to the answer but am out of the country and need to placate an almost hysterical wife back in the UK.

I have a good, well paid job and we break even each month but could (and probably should) save considerably. Wife is on a career break from Civil Service.

After first child she returned to work in 2004 part-time with increased salary. Salary was checked with HR because tax differences were making it look strange but they confirmed in writing that it was correct. In 2008 whilst on a 2nd career break a 'new department' write to request repayment of c.£1,200 for the 2004/5 period where they note an overpayment based on both hours worked (15 vs 16) and salary scale.

Subsequently they've come up with another 2 cases for the 2008/9 period which we can agree to and will repay but I'm wanting to fight the original and put it to bed once and for all.

How strong can both sides be on resisting/forcing the repayment - I certainly don't want to be getting into court territory (though it might prove fun with the documentation we have) ?

GeorgeUK

I would request a breakdown of the calculations as you have already been told that the 2004 salary was correct. If she was overpaid then she may have paid too much tax/NI.

I don't know of any legal argument you can use to fight this as i'm sure that overpayments must be paid back and are not subject to statute barred legislation.

I would suggest trying to come to a repayment arrangement with them.

k3lvc

Sorry if it's misunderstood - previous letter from employer states salary checked and correct, new department on reviewing say it wasn't. That and the fact that she couldn't reasonably have known (and did ask/check) are the only reasons I'm looking at to resist.