Can your employer deduct your salary if something is lost or damaged?

Taken from the column Ask the lawyers / Professional traffic issue 4 in 2025

Question :
Can my employer deduct my salary if something is damaged or lost?

Answer :
No, as a general rule, your employer cannot deduct your salary or holiday pay. There are only two exceptions: If the deduction is stipulated by law, or if you and your employer have agreed to it in writing in advance. If you lose or damage something at work, your employer cannot deduct your salary without your consent. Such consent must be given after the accident, and you can choose whether to accept it.

If you disagree that you are to blame for the injury, there is no reason to accept this. If the employer still believes that they should deduct your salary, the employer must collect the money in the usual way. The employer is then not allowed to deduct your salary until this has been done.