work expect me to pay repair bill for damaged van

A question about : work expect me to pay repair bill for damaged van

I damaged my work van during work. It was a silly accident while exiting a parking space and resulted in damage only to the work van. It looks like it may cost Ј200-Ј300 and they are saying I should pay for the repairs as it was my fault. Their insurance excess is Ј1000 to save them money and they expect employees to contribute to repairs below that value.

Whilst I feel bad about damaging the van, am I really expect to pay for this repair out of my own pocket? I do not recall signing any document saying I would have to do this. My manager insists everyone had a document sent to their home address to sign and return a few years ago however I do not remember getting one and she got quite angry when I asked to see the document with my signature on it. She kept cutting me off when I tried to explain my point of view, and said if it was my own car and I damaged it I would have to pay, and since I'm responsible for this damage

I have been asked to go to the office on Monday to speak to her boss about it. What rights do I have in this situation?

Best answers:

• All I'm going to advise is don't pay anything or admit to anything until you've seen a copy of that document with your signature on it!
• Agreed as for the paperwork... your entitled to see it..
  put request in writing too at least have a papertrail if it goes further
• A deduction of this type from a worker's wages can only be made lawfully if:
  * The deduction is required or authorised by the worker's contract. For example, a company car clause may allow the employer to deduct money from the employee's salary if he causes damage to the car or incurs a parking fine.
  *The worker has given his prior written consent to the deduction.
  If the company are unable to provide any evidence that you have signed up to this agreement they will not be able to make you pay. However be aware that they may consider you negligent and could take other disciplinary action against you. As a minimum you could be expected to now give your agreement to pay for future accident damage. They may request you to attend driving training or take an assessment test.
• I have spoken to a colleague who tells me the document I am alleged to have signed said we may be expected to contribute to the cost of any repairs for "unexplained damage". I explained to them how the damage occurred.
• You need to see the document that the company is relying on. You should to go back to HR and ask for a copy. If necessary, put it in writing. Until you have seen the documentation, it is not possible for anyone here to help you, as we don't know the facts.
• Why is the OP not in a position to say who they think should pay for the damage they have caused to the employers property?
  If the employer takes court action, it will be for the judge to decide who is liable for the damage caused
  As I said, my expectation of what a judge would decide in such an event is based purely on the details the OP has provided, rather than supposition of any other details.
  If may not be what the OP wants to hear, and I didn't expect any thanks for telling the OP as it is. But I wouldn't like to mislead others that may find themselves in a similar situation.
• Past cases with colleagues of mine have been paid for by the company.