QUESTION
Pay back relocation with out a contract?
Asked on Dec 09th, 2015 on Employment Contracts - Ohio
More details to this question:
I took a job. In my offer letter they stated that I would receive a 10,000 relocation package. I received this in a check. I am now two weeks in and the move has proven too much for my family. I had every intention of staying in this job. I even left my employer of ten years to do so. If I leave am I obligated to pay back the relocation? I did not sign a relocation contract and my offer letter does not have a clause that requires me to pay it back. the terms of my employment are at will and within the first 90 days either party can terminate it with no reason. Moving here did cost me a lot of money and now I will be moving back to where we came from. Should I offer the wages that I have earned in the past two weeks as sort of a peace offering for any ill will( the amount would be for $3400 for the past two weeks). Would this help offset the chance that I could be sued? Or am I even at risk of it here?
1 ANSWER
Sharon Adams
As you noted, the at-will employment doctrine means that either party to an employment agreement can terminate the agreement, with or without cause, with or without notice. Since there is no written agreement concerning the relocations costs, you are under no obligation to pay it back. However, if your conscious tells you that paying back some of the money is the right thing to do, by all means - do it.
Even though the new employer may not "sue" you for the proceeds, they could certainly give you a bad reference. Your reputation may be at stake.
Answered on Dec 17th, 2015 at 6:44 AM