Is It Fair for Employers to Cut Pay for Tardiness? Let's Discuss Legal and Ethical Aspects

Can an employer deduct an employee's salary for coming late to work?

It is important to review the company's policies and employment laws regarding salary deductions for tardiness. In some cases, employers may have the right to deduct an employee's salary for consistently arriving late to work. However, it is crucial to ensure that any deductions are in accordance with legal requirements and clearly communicated to employees in advance. Communication and transparency are key when implementing such policies to maintain a positive work environment.

Agree with Swati.

Your attendance policy should clearly specify the late mark deduction and be effectively communicated to employees. For example, only three late marks are allowed in a month. Any late arrivals exceeding this limit will result in a deduction of half-day leave or salary in lieu of leave.

Many companies incorporate these rules into their HRIS system. This allows employees to view their attendance snapshot, including late marks, deductions, and leave balances.

Instances of allowed late coming have nothing to do with deductions for tardiness. The principle of 'no work, no pay' allows for wages to be deducted for late reporting to duty.

Shrikant Prabhudesa
Email: shrikant_pra@rediffmail.com

Just like overtime is compensated or paid, late coming is deductible. The working hours are indicated in the appointment letter and they relate to a specified wage. If you do not put in the working hours required and as laid down, then it is only right that you are paid for the actual hours put in. If you put in extra hours, you are paid for that.