Deductions from Wages

lucasharrison

Hi all,

If someone is getting paid minimum wage are employers allowed to make any deductions for alleged mistakes?

My mum works in a shop on minimum wage, and her employer has suggested that, whenever the till is down, splitting the deficit between all employees.

This feels wrong on two counts: effectively being paid below minimum wage, having to pay for other people's mistakes.

She's spoken to ACAS who said apparently they are allowed to do it, but the GOV.uk website suggests it's not allowed.

Any help would be great.

thanks,

Luke

shark_DB

No she can not receive less than the national minimum wage.
Even if she earned more than the nmw deductions can only be made in line with the contract of employment.

bluenoseam

I would also be writing to state that if deductions are being made from my wage for the till being down that I insist on being the ONLY person to use that till and to be present while it's being cashed up. I would not be taking the hit for other people's mistakes!

patman99

I believe if it took her wages below NMW, then the company would receive a big fine.
Also, I believe the practice of deducting shortfalls from takings is now illegal, so worth checking that out as well.

lollipopsarah

Not sure about this because I'm told that mistakes can be taken from wages although have only so far signed for little shortages - ie probably wrong change once or twice.
However I made a booboo the other week and have now ended up buying an old £10 note (rather than have it deducted) and am not sure what to do with it.
xx

saversfriend

lollipopsarah wrote: »

Not sure about this because I'm told that mistakes can be taken from wages although have only so far signed for little shortages - ie probably wrong change once or twice.
However I made a booboo the other week and have now ended up buying an old £10 note (rather than have it deducted) and am not sure what to do with it.
xx

Try taking it to a bank - I think they will accept old notes.

Valli

lucasharrison wrote: »

Hi all,

If someone is getting paid minimum wage are employers allowed to make any deductions for alleged mistakes?

My mum works in a shop on minimum wage, and her employer has suggested that, whenever the till is down, splitting the deficit between all employees.

This feels wrong on two counts: effectively being paid below minimum wage, having to pay for other people's mistakes.

She's spoken to ACAS who said apparently they are allowed to do it, but the GOV.uk website suggests it's not allowed.

Any help would be great.

thanks,

Luke

I suggest your Mum, and all other employees similarly affected, consider joining the union USDAW