I am a milkman and my employer takes deductions for any shortages each week. Can I do anything about this?
Asked by dididave
I deliver milk and then collect the money from the customers. Each week I submit the money plus a debt sheet for thos who have not paid. Anything deemed to be missing by the company is deducted directly from my wages which can be over £100! As I am not stealing the money and have no idea why I am "short", is there anything I can do about it? It does state in my contract that any shortages will be deducted from my wages.

Best Answer:
The only way I can see if something is missing by the company (without you taking any money or milk) is that they have messed up what milk you started out with. So, what I would do is, when you pick up the load of milk, you verify that you have what the invoice says (i.e., it says you have 36 bottles, make sure you have 36 bottles). Then, ask for an explanation of what they deem missing. They should be able to provide you that information and how it is calculated. Is the failure of the customers to pay considered a shortage? If so, that is probably why you are considered "short." Next - if the customers don't pay, don't deliver the milk or let them know that it is POD (payable upon delivery) or COD (cash on delivery) of the product (the milk). Even if they have to provide you a check/cheque, rather than cash, is that something your company will accept? If so, then take the cheque.

If it is in your contract, there is probably nothing you can do. You agreed to that. Take better care of your log book and make sure you record everything accurately. Tell your customers to be more prompt in their payments.
Answered by leecavcu