Old job chasing for training fees

Noclue123

Hello!

I left my last job 3 months ago now. I was getting bullied there, and was suffering very badly with my mental health because of it. I didn't physically 'work' my notice because I was actually signed off ill at the time because of my mental health.However, this still counted as giving my notice.

Whilst at work, I attended some in-house training and signed learning agreements to say that I would pay these off if I left before a year of taking the courses. I took 3 courses in total, and some of these total course 'costs' were paid off as I worked. For 1 of the courses, I didn't actually get to finish the course because my work didn't book me in for the assessment. Therefore, I was never officially qualified. However, since leaving my work they are asking me to pay for this said course, plus 1 other. I do not mind paying for this 1 other course, but I do not understand why they are asking me to pay for the one I wasn't able to finish because of them - do I have a leg to stand on with this one, even though I signed the agreement (this was signed before they cancelled my assessment).

Like I said, I have been officially unemployed by this company for 3 months now. When I handed my notice in, HR did not mention at all these costs. However, today I received a letter from them telling me that I have to pay all fees within 7 days or they are sending debt collectors to my house.

Can they do this? Baring in mind I haven't worked there for 3 months (during which time they did not mention any of these training fees) and they are suddenly telling me this now? I have read online that they can not call Baliffs to my house unless they have taken me to court and the court rule that I owe them this money, and I have also read that debt collectors have no power - is this true?

Please note that I am not trying to get out of paying these fees (although I do want to try and get out of the fees for the course they wouldn't let me complete), I'm just worried by this letter and want to know what they can legally do.

Thank you

sangie595

There's a surprising number of posters who can't spell "bearing" this week.

Assuming the charges are legitimate costs for the course, you signed so you owe the money. Course fees are typically paid regardless of whether you complete the course, so you started, you signed, and not finishing is irrelevant - the employer incurred the cost.

You may be able to query the legitimacy of the costs - but we have no idea what these are or what for. But in principle, this is a debt like any other, and yes, they can treat it as any other debt would be treated. So debt collectors, court - that's up to them to decide. It may be an empty threat. It may not.

Debt collectors do not need to possess a court judgement to take on collection. They just need a debt... They may not have "powers" but they can be a nuisance. A court, of course, can be followed by bailiffs, who do have powers.

TELLIT01

sangie595 wrote: »

There's a surprising number of posters who can't spell "bearing" this week.

I hadn't previously realised that a test of proper use of the English language was part of the site rules.

nicechap

TELLIT01 wrote: »

I hadn't previously realised that a test of proper use of the English language was part of the site rules.

My take on several different posters making the same spelling error, is it;s the same dilemma/AI bot looking for answers for an exam question. Last week it was lots of maternity related dilemmas.

Money_maker

TELLIT01 wrote: »

I hadn't previously realised that a test of proper use of the English language was part of the site rules.

It ought to be. My pet hate is using defiantly instead of definately. Drives me nuts!

JReacher1

TELLIT01 wrote: »

I hadn't previously realised that a test of proper use of the English language was part of the site rules.

Some posters like to find any reason to accuse new posters looking for help of being a fake poster.

I do not really understand the point of doing this as people come here for help and creating a hostile environment is unpleasant behaviour.

Certain established posters should try and give new posters the benefit of the doubt.

elsien

Meanwhile back to the OP.......

The course you didn't complete still needs paying for - your agreement likely has something in about leaving before the course was complete. And had you stayed they would have booked you on for the assessment so no wriggle room there.

What sums of money are you talking about? It would be sensible to contact them to come to a payment arrangement if it's not reasonable for them to expect it all in one go.

dancing_star

Money_maker wrote: »

It ought to be. My pet hate is using defiantly instead of definately. Drives me nuts!

Erm, it's actually definitely...

Noclue123

elsien wrote: »

Meanwhile back to the OP.......

The course you didn't complete still needs paying for - your agreement likely has something in about leaving before the course was complete. And had you stayed they would have booked you on for the assessment so no wriggle room there.

What sums of money are you talking about? It would be sensible to contact them to come to a payment arrangement if it's not reasonable for them to expect it all in one go.

Thank you for your reply!

Sorry - I should've been clearer - what I meant was that my employers cancelled my assessment 4 months before I even handed in my notice. I therefore was unable to complete this training before I even started looking for other jobs. I wanted to gain the qualification but the assessment day was not suitable for my employer and so they cancelled. Does this perhaps change things?

Noclue123

nicechap wrote: »

My take on several different posters making the same spelling error, is it;s the same dilemma/AI bot looking for answers for an exam question. Last week it was lots of maternity related dilemmas.

This is the most ridiculous thing I've heard. You're assuming people are bots because they can't spell certain words?! :T

nicechap

Noclue123 wrote: »

This is the most ridiculous thing I've heard. You're assuming people are bots because they can't spell certain words?! :T

Strange that you are keen to be side tracked from saving yourself money your ex-employer wants back.

Have you found the search function to find all the other threads on the same type of dilemma? for example:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5695320/owing-money-for-a-training-course-and-want-to-leave&highlight=training+fees

If you go to your user profile, you can find the ignore function so you don't have to read my posts, its very useful to filter out those posters you don't like.