Paid too much?

CA18

So I handed in my notice and finished my job about 3 weeks ago. When I recieived my final pay packet I've been paid a LOT more than usual.

The payslip breaks it down and the extra is under an 'uplift' heading.

I was expecting some extra due to the way they allocate holiday pay etc, but this just feels like it too much. In recent times I could've phoned up HR and she'd have worked it out. But HR has been replaced by a app and an always busy central phone line.

While I do not mind extra dosh at all (!) and I'm not on any benefits so it doesn't mess anything up my question is

if its a mistake can the company (which I no longer work for) take that money back?

if they can't just take it, can they request it? And what would happen if I refused?


I haven't contacted them yet, because I'm wondering whether I should just keep quiet? (Oh and this is a big company, they can afford it, so I've no qualms there).

Comms69

Well no, whether you worked there or not, they have no right o 'take' the money back i.e. from your bank account.


But they have 6 years to claim it back, ultimately this could end up in small claims court.


I would personally, put it to one side and wait to hear from them

TELLIT01

If it is an overpayment they can certainly claim it back. If you refused to pay it back they could take you to court and you could end up having to pay their court costs. I would write to them asking for a full breakdown of the payment, and put the 'extra' money into a savings account.
I had a similar situation many years ago where the agency I was working through put the net pay on the final payslip but paid me the gross figure. I tried to contact them, left messages etc but they never did get back to me.

jackandcoke

" (Oh and this is a big company, they can afford it, so I've no qualms there)." really? Where are your morals?

sangie595

jackandcoke wrote: »

" (Oh and this is a big company, they can afford it, so I've no qualms there)." really? Where are your morals?

"The supermarket shelves were full of stuff, so it isn't really theft to slip stuff in my bag and not pay for it. It's not like it's the corner shop"

Isn't it funny how people can always come up with an excuse to do something wrong, that would be wrong if someone did it to them, but not when they do it themselves?

CA18

Dammit I wrote a reply to the above and it vanished. shorter version, they can have it back if its a mistake, but the amount is large for me and peanuts for them. it doesn't mean someone else is going short next month because they can't afford it. thats what i meant about qualms.

And is it wrong? I am obligated to chase them up to see if it's correct? it may be, because the payslip is so vague.

AstroTurtle

CA18 wrote: »

Dammit I wrote a reply to the above and it vanished. shorter version, they can have it back if its a mistake, but the amount is large for me and peanuts for them. it doesn't mean someone else is going short next month because they can't afford it. thats what i meant about qualms.

And is it wrong? I am obligated to chase them up to see if it's correct? it may be, because the payslip is so vague.

Technically i'd say your obligated as you are now aware it's an error and you have chosen to try and chance it.

Ultimately is the amount worth the realising the mistake at some point in the future and requesting it back immediately and you being caught short.

CA18

ah but i don't know its an error. its just a higher amount than i was expecting.


Most people (here and irl) are saying, just don't tell them but I don't know. I'll feel like it's just hanging over me if I don't try.

gettingtheresometime

Why not put what you think may have been paid in error into a separate account & then wait to see if they contact you.

That way if they don't you've got a nice little pot to do something nice with rather than wasting it which, at this time of year, would be easy to do

AstroTurtle

CA18 wrote: »

ah but i don't know its an error. its just a higher amount than i was expecting.


Most people (here and irl) are saying, just don't tell them but I don't know. I'll feel like it's just hanging over me if I don't try.

Option 1 - Make queries with your previous employer, If they tell you no error. Then you're clear.

Option 2 - If they tell you it was an error they may ask for it back? No future hassle.

Option 3 - Sit in limbo and wait for the day they MAY or MAY NOT come knocking.


I'd go for option 1 or 2 personally.

TBagpuss

Put the extra aside, so you can pay it back if necessary, and write to them (or email), keeping a copy , saying something like
" Received my final pay of £xxx on date. This includes £xx listed as 'uplift'. I was of course expecting some payment in addition to my normal wage , in relation to my earned but untaken holidays, but I am no sure of the exact amount due, however, amount shown is a bit higher than I had anticipated. Please could you provide a breakdown of the way this has been calculated, and confirm that the figure is correct? If there has been an error, please provide the break down as requested and details of how I should repay any surplus "

That way, you've done the right thing and however they reply, you can sort it out.