Employer only offering to pay half of accounting study costs

David_Brent

Just wanted to see what peoples opinion is upon accepting my job my employer stated they would support me through my studies I assumed this would cover every cost associated with my taking these exams (exam fees & tuition). Though now they are saying they will only foot half the bill. The only benefit on my accepting this role really was for me to further myself academically and was a main factor of my joining the company becasue this was offered - if this was notoffered I would maybe have thought twice about accepting the job. I also accepted the job at a reduced salary than I would notmally go for becasue the study package was thrown in which would kind of compensate for my dip in salary.

Now they are saying they will pay half of any costs of this course which to be honest I think is unfair as I can't afford to pay the other half of the costs. I think its rather unfair what are peoples thoughts? Should I go back to my employer and say sorry this isn't good enough I want youto pay the full costs of course?

Googlewhacker

I guess the question is do you have anything in writing?

If yes then good you have something to go on, if no you are probably screwed

David_Brent

Nothing in writting unfortunately itwas a verbal contract between us before my signing my contract. I know legally etc I dont have a leg to stand on on but my boss is pretty reasonable but I think they may just be trying to save money and seeing if I just go along with it without a fuss. Its more the principle of it that bothers me.

DCFC79

Could you not take out a loan, maybe ask friends/family for some help, the employer said they would help with the costs but if its not defined as to what help would be offered then not much you can do,

lucylucky

"my employer stated they would support me through my studies"

Did they mean financially or allowing you the time to study?

Depends on what was meant by "support"

GavB79

The principle of you wanting a free ride? A full study package usually comes with a clause that if you leave the company within a certain period after qualifying you have to pay back the fees that were paid for you. The company has to protect their investment after all.

If you are prepared to do this, maybe approach your employer and say, if you pay the full cost of my study, I'll stay for three years post-qualification. Then at least both parties get something out of the deal.

jessicamb

Can you try and prioritise it so that you can find the money? You could do home study to reduce the cost - or maybe they would pay all the cost of home study courses and half college courses? Before you jump ship will you get good work experience and career development in this company? They are as important in the short term as you skip through the exams.

It is a lot of money but its a great investment if you can find the cash.

Oldernotwiser

GavB79 wrote: »

The principle of you wanting a free ride? A full study package usually comes with a clause that if you leave the company within a certain period after qualifying you have to pay back the fees that were paid for you. The company has to protect their investment after all.

If you are prepared to do this, maybe approach your employer and say, if you pay the full cost of my study, I'll stay for three years post-qualification. Then at least both parties get something out of the deal.

Alternatively you could ask them if they would consider an (interest free?) loan for your half of the fees.

David_Brent

GavB79 wrote: »

The principle of you wanting a free ride? A full study package usually comes with a clause that if you leave the company within a certain period after qualifying you have to pay back the fees that were paid for you. The company has to protect their investment after all.

If you are prepared to do this, maybe approach your employer and say, if you pay the full cost of my study, I'll stay for three years post-qualification. Then at least both parties get something out of the deal.

Very good idea I think may take this route and offer to stay 3 years after qualifying.

I can undetstand them wanting to protect the money they invest in me which is fair enough.

David_Brent

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Alternatively you could ask them if they would consider an (interest free?) loan for your half of the fees.

Also a good idea they loan poeple money for their oyster cards etc so cant see why they couldn't do the same for me in studies.

MrRedundant

Paying half the costs is supporting you financially.
Its very rare for all the costs to be covered and you should have confirmed this.

By paying half the employer can be sure they are not simply throwing money away at someone who lacks commitment.