Can I Make an Employee Pay for Damage to Company Property?

[Cypriot]

Hi There,
I am looking for a simple policy wording that we will get our workers to sign for the tools they are using so they will be more careful when they are using it as long as they will feel that they will have to pay for it if there is a damage etc... any advice please ?

 

[Deleted member 138423]

How bout ''All damages of tools are the responsibility of the user and must be paid for''!

 

[Blood Lust]

Hi There,
I am looking for a simple policy wording that we will get our workers to sign for the tools they are using so they will be more careful when they are using it as long as they will feel that they will have to pay for it if there is a damage etc... any advice please ?

I break a tool so you want to dock me wages.

I take you to a tribuneral and have you for unlawful deductions. My argument is that wear and tear happens in the course of any employment, as in this case, and you are trying to offload the cost onto me.

I win.

If your code of conduct lists offences which I can be suspended for then you can dock wages instead of the suspension. But again that does not cover normal wear and tear. Its about damage arising from misconduct.

 

[Steve Sellers]

Hi There,
I am looking for a simple policy wording that we will get our workers to sign for the tools they are using so they will be more careful when they are using it as long as they will feel that they will have to pay for it if there is a damage etc... any advice please ?

You will need to ensure that it is a contractual clause rather than just incorporated in a non contractual policy. You will need to specifically reserve the right to make deductions from wages, as well as forcing the employee to indemnify you against any losses caused by negligence, or deliberate damage.

Any deduction should only be made after notifying the employee in writing and I would always advise not making the deduction until you have gone through the disciplinary process - of course allowing the employee the right to appeal.