Paying back training course fees

[sherbertdip]

A friend was made redundant in spring 14. In July he managed to secure a 6 month temporary contract which is coming to and end next week.

The employers have said the vacancy is now considered permanent but they have said he will have to apply for it and undertake an interview as it is a new contract.

During the temporary contract he had to undertake specialist training which was provided free by the employer.

They have now said that if he gets the new job and leaves within 12 months he will have to pay the training fees back, this despite them being provided free of charge in a the temporary contract period from which he can just walk away from.

I do not see how they can force the repayment if he did leave in the next year as the training was provided during the 6 month temporary contract.

Any thoughts on whether he would be within his rights to tell them to get lost if he did get the job and left within the next 12 months?

[rog007]

If they put that in a contract that he willingly signs then that's that. If he negotiates prior to the contract being drawn up then he may have a chance of changing things. If I were the hirer I would not be insisting on such a thing.

[lambysdad]

Standard contract for some industries.
You either sign it or you don't, depends if you want the job or not.