You make a mistake at work. A product breaks, damage occurs, or your employer says: “We’re going to charge you for this.”
Many young people are startled 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 you cause while doing your job.

That also applies to:

• young people

• students

• part-timers

• temporary agency workers

• side jobs

Working means taking risks — and those risks normally lie at the employer.

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When can an employee actually be liable?

Only in exceptional situations, namely in cases of:

1. Intent

You intentionally cause damage.
For example: breaking something on purpose.

2. Conscious recklessness

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

👉 Note: this is very strictlyassessed.
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’s often about:

• dropping something

• misjudging

• not getting enough instructions

• 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 claim damages not just:

• deduct it from your wages

• offset it

• demand that you pay

That is in many cases unlawful.

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Deducting damages from your wages: is that allowed?

👉 In principle: no.

An employer may not simply:

• withhold money

• send an invoice

• reduce pay

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?

Even if temporary agency worker applies:

• you are an employee

• the same protection rules apply

The employment agency or the hirer can charge the damage not simply to you.

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What if you have to sign something?

Some employers have young people:

• sign statements

• signing acknowledgements of debt

• giving “OK” via WhatsApp

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

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What should you do if your employer demands money?

Use this step-by-step plan:

1. Do not agree immediately

2. Do not pay anything of your own accord

3. Request a written justification

4. Save all communications

5. Have a legal assessment of whether this is allowed

Often it 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

• pay immediately out of fear

• thinking that mistakes are always your own responsibility

• accept wage deductions

• sign statements without advice

• not have anything checked

That can unnecessarily cost you a lot of money.

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

Are you:

• student

• part-timer

• temporary agency worker

• young person with a side job

and is your employer demanding that you pay for damages?

Then have it checked. Often it turns out that:

• you are not liable

• wage withholding is not allowed

• the employer is going too far

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