You can only take money off a worker's pay with their written agreement, or where the law allows it. Loans and advances can be deducted by agreement. Deductions for loss or breakages are tightly limited: the worker must be at fault, you must follow a fair process first, the amount cannot be more than the actual loss, and it generally cannot take more than a quarter of their pay. AskMandla applies whatever is agreed on the payslip the lawful way.
The general rule
A deduction needs either the worker's written agreement or a legal basis. You cannot simply dock pay because you are unhappy.
Loans and advances
If you give the worker a loan or a salary advance, you can recover it by agreement. It is best written down, with the amount and the repayment set out, and it shows on the payslip so both sides can see the balance.
Loss and breakages
Deducting for a broken plate or a damaged item is allowed only under strict conditions:
- The worker was genuinely at fault or negligent.
- You followed a fair process and gave them a chance to respond.
- The amount does not exceed the actual loss.
- It does not take more than about a quarter of their pay in one go.
Statutory amounts
UIF, and PAYE where the worker earns enough to pay tax, are separate. They are required by law and always shown as their own lines on the payslip.
How AskMandla helps
We apply agreed deductions correctly, show them clearly on the payslip, and keep you inside the legal limits.