Previous employer demanding payback of £2000 bonus

AP007

OP does it only say if you resign and leave?

What does it say about if you are made redundant?

Secondly what was the actual start date and the final date you are going to be paid for? Feb to July is 6 mths depending on the dates

Takeaway_Addict

jamesfisher1989 wrote: »

Well the contract says 'if you leave' which could cover any reason, but the letter from HR said 'as you decided to leave' which is categorically not true.

In terms of performance at work, I was working for a recruitment agency. The 'desk' I was on was not bringing in enough revenue. Then another member of my team left the company. I was basically told I was going to take over his work. Then a week later I was told I had to leave, I believe my change of position hadn't been ratified by the area manager.
So I suppose they could argue that poor performance was the reason for me leaving, however my manager had accepted that a large proportion of the lack of revenue from my previous role was not my fault, hence him being happy to seemingly offer me another role in the same team..

I would try and bluff them out personally like above and go downt he route of it only being payable if you decided to leave on your own volition. I think from what you say that legally you are stuffed. However, because its such a large amount it might be worth getting some proper legal advice on the situation.

spacey2012

I would do the same, write pointing out the factual omission in the letter stating you never left, you were dismissed by them.

getmore4less

what were the exact dates and notice arrangements.

jamesfisher1989

Well yeah the letter is wrong, but the contract does have my signature!

I understand some people will see this as me trying to wriggle my way out of something I in some ways brought on my self by signing that contract, but basically I have no desire to give them a penny after my treatment there.

In terms of them being reluctant to go down the legal route, as a recruitment company they do do this to clients who haven't paid their bills. As a last option, but one that they do use from time to time.. However, I am going to move address soon, so maybe it won't be worth their effort in their eyes to 'track me down'?

Proc

Probably best to not respond at all - unless you get sound legal advice before doing so. You may possibly say something that actually swings in their favour.

Just ignore them, if they want the money that bad they can take you to court.

BTW: Stop banging on about your "treatment" there. It doesn't change anything and is only clouding the issue.

spacey2012

Moving makes it far easier to get a CCJ as they can serve to the last know address.
I would point out the contract state if you leave, not if you are dismissed and challenge them to try and get it passed a judge.

BitterAndTwisted

I would write back to them denying that you resigned or left of your own volition and therefore their demand for repayment of that joining-bonus is a complete nonsense. I'd also be minded to mention that you were enticed to join them from a much better and secure employer and their actions have left you in a much worse situation than had you remained there. And if they continue with their spurious and unreasonable demands you will not respond to any further communication from them. And then, they can go whistle.

AP007

OP

Start and leaving dates????

jacques_chirac

Do you have anything in writing to confirm how you left, even if in email or text form? Is there anyone that will back up your version of events?