You make a mistake at work. A product breaks, damage occurs, or your employer says: “We’re going to make you pay for this.”
Many young people are shocked and think that they are required to pay. That is usually not the case.

In this blog, we clearly explain when you are liable, when not, and what you can do if your employer demands money from you.

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Main rule: an employee is usually not liable

👉 The basic rule is simple:
as an employee you are, in principle, not liable for damage that you cause during your work.

That also applies to:

• young people

• students

• part-timers

• temporary agency workers

• side jobs

Doing work means taking risks — and those risks normally with the employer.

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When can an employee be liable?

That is only in exceptional situations, namely in:

1. Intent

You deliberately cause damage.
For example: deliberately breaking something.

2. Conscious recklessness

You know that something is dangerous, but you do it anyway, while you understand the consequences.

👉 Note: this is very strictly assessed.
A simple mistake, clumsiness, or moment of stress is not deliberate recklessness.

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Common mistakes that do not result in liability

Among young people, it often involves:

• dropping something

• misjudging

• getting too little instruction

• working under time pressure

• inexperience

👉 These are normal work mistakes.
For that, your employer may not make you pay.

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“But you are responsible”, says the employer

We hear that often. But:

• responsibility ≠ liability

• being in charge ≠ paying out of your own pocket

• making a mistake ≠ paying for damages

An employer may recover damages not simply:

• withhold from your wages

• set off

• demand that you pay

That is in many cases unlawful.

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Withholding damages from your wages: is that allowed?

👉 In principle: no.

An employer may not simply:

• withhold money

• send an invoice

• reduce wages

Certainly not without:

• your consent

• a clear legal basis

And consent “under pressure” is often invalid.

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What about temporary agency workers?

For temporary agency workers too, the following applies:

• you are an employee

• the same protection rules apply

The temp agency or the hirer can the damages not simply put on you.

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What if you have to sign something?

Some employers have young people:

• sign statements

• sign acknowledgments of debt

• give “agreement” via WhatsApp

👉 Be very careful here.
Do not sign anything without knowing the consequences.

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What should you do if your employer demands money?

Use this step-by-step plan:

1. Do not agree right away

2. Do not pay anything voluntarily

3. Ask for a written justification

4. Save all communication

5. Have it legally reviewed to see if this is allowed

It often turns out that:

• the employer has no leg to stand on

• deductions are unlawful

• you are protected

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Common mistakes by young people

• paying immediately out of fear

• thinking that mistakes are always your own responsibility

• accepting wage deductions

• signing statements without advice

• not having anything checked

That can cost you a lot of money unnecessarily.

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Are you unsure whether you have to pay for a mistake?

Are you:

• student

• part-timer

• temp worker

• young person with a part-time job

and does your employer demand that you pay for damage?

Then have it checked. Often it turns out that:

• you are not liable

• wage deductions are not allowed

• the employer goes too far

👉 Feel free to get in touch to have your situation assessed.