Exceptions to the rule prohibiting deductions from wages

There are some exceptions. The most important is that the law allows the employer to make a deduction from wages where there has been a straightforward overpayment of wages. This is even the case if the mistake is as a result of a miscalculation by the employer. Workers should contact their union rep, as agreements can sometimes be negotiated, for example spreading repayments over a period, especially if the money has been spent with no reason for the worker to think it was not theirs.

Workers in retail employment have extra protection. Deductions for cash shortages or stock deficiencies are capped at a maximum of 10% of any one pay packet, except for the final one.