Being sent on a course - repayment clauses (ITIL)

[strudel]

Two questions in one here.

Next week I'm being sent on an ITIL foundation course. Today I get given a form to sign saying if I leave within 12 months I have to pay back the costs, which I'm a little miffed due to the short notice. The cost is £700 and quite honestly I'm not sure if I'll derive any benefit from it - I was only going because it's a company objective. The course is booked in and I'd feel a bit of an arse saying no, however I'm not getting stuck with a cost I never asked for. I've seen nothing saying this is this best rate they can get, and if I had the choice outright I'd go for the significantly cheaper teach yourself option.

So my two questions:

1. How enforceable are these clauses - I'm assuming very. I am prepared to argue the toss about the notice though and my lack of choice in the matter - should I do that now to nip it in the bud or can I still say something should I leave in the next year (which is about 50/50 currently). Surely the company can't just spring costs on me?

2. Is the ITIL foundation course even worth the effort?

Thanks PH.

[sooperscoop]

When you give notice they'll just take the 700 from your last paycheck. That's how it normally works.

If it's just an objective, surely you agreed it?

I'd just do it. Another qualification is always useful on the cv and you'll come across a right arse otherwise.

Edited by sooperscoop on Wednesday 11th December 03:20

[Countdown]

It is enforceable if you sign. Repayment clauses are used when employees apply to go on courses that benefit their careers, I've not heard of them being used where the EMPLOYER asks you to attend.

Speak to your LM and tell him you didn't know you had to repay. He'll thn tell you what your options are.

[98elise]

strudel said:

Two questions in one here.

...Is the ITIL foundation course even worth the effort?

Yes, my past 2 contract jobs have had ITIL as a must have. I have ITIL Foundation from about 10 years ago and that's been fine to qualify.

[BluePurpleRed]

If you leave then make sure the employer you go to gives you the £700 as a sign on bonus / sweetner?

[STW2010]

I would personally refuse to sign it purely on the basis of the notice given, and that the company has requested this training.

Could you not just ignore the form and go on the training course anyway? Once the training course is completed what can they realistically do?

[Gargamel]

Not always enforceable and sometimes are forgotten or ignored.

You could ask them to put the repayment at £350 after six months ?

Personally I would keep your head down, go on the course and not complete the for, see if they ever chase it.

[strudel]

Just spoken to HR about this. The details in the form should have been discussed with me prior to the booking of the course, such as the costs and repayment terms. They agree it's unfair for this to be sprung on me at such short notice but it doesn't sound like I'm exempt due to this. They are pressing me for the form so I'll fill it in as the qualification could be useful, and should I leave I'll keep schtum because they'll probably forget about it. I'm pretty underpaid compared to my peers anyway so hopefully the next role should cover it.

Thanks people.

[conanius]

Obviously late to comment, but ITIL foundation is worthwhile.

However, I think signing something like this is always an iffy situation. I've never and would not ever want to sign something like that....

That said, the fact you posted makes me think you might leave in 12 months... Otherwise signing it is largely irrelevant surely.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

Think of it from the employer's side.

They are about to invest in you for the future. It's not unreasonable to expect you to repay if you leave within the 12 months. (and you get it completely free otherwise?)

We have a similar clause in our contracts of employment, so it's a standing agreement & doesn't need to be signed up for on each separate occasion.

[Du1point8]

OP, are you planning on jumping ship in the next 12 months?

If not just sign the document and do the course, enjoy the free training you have been given the chance to do on work time and the fact you are not having to train on your personal time and pay for it.