A Manager has asked if we can lock an employee into a 2-3 year contact. He doesn't want to run the risk of losing them before this time because of the investment in time and training costs. I don't think this is enforceable unless the employee agrees to pay back the training costs on a sliding scale?
Has anyone come across this before and if so, what clause did they use in the contract.
Thanks
Dawn
Replies
HI Dawn
I don't think you can actually lock anyone into a contract for this period of time. I've never come across anything of this length. It maybe more suitable to ask the manager to pay for part of their learning as it continues - belief in all people in that once fully trained they'll stay. By locking some one it doesn't send the right message to the employee concerned and once feeling trapped they may rethink their loyalty.
What type of training and job role are they training for? We have trainee supervisors and we ask them to sign to state they are happy to repay the training costs on a sliding scale should they wish to discontinue their employment with us ie. 6 months 50% 12 months 25% etc.
Hope that helps, Nic
Thanks Allyson much appreciated
Dawn
Hi Dawn
We just type up a word document, stating how much needs to be repaid if they leave on a sliding scale.
When I am back in work tomorrow I will look at how we word it.
Thanks
Allyson
Hi Dawn
We have not done this with staff on a short term contract but we have with members of staff who are permanent. The members of staff have signed an agreement to repay a expensive course cost if they leave. They signed to repay the cost on a sliding scale connected to the length of time since they went on the course. They repay something if they leave within 3 years of completing the course. This is just a signed agreement between the member of staff and the Academy, it would not be put into their contract.
Hope this helps
Thanks
Allyson
Hi Allyson
That's great thanks. Do you have a template of the agreement you use that you could send me - if you don't mind?
Kind regards
Dawn