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Under California law, deductions from an employee’s wages are generally prohibited unless they are specifically authorized by law or agreed upon in writing. This means that employers cannot simply make deductions from an employee’s paycheck without a legal basis or without the employee’s consent.

One area where deductions are typically illegal is for any financial losses that result from the actions or mistakes of the employee. For example, if an employer wants to recover the cost of damaged equipment or lost inventory by deducting it from an employee’s wages, this would be considered illegal in California.

Employers are responsible for bearing the costs of any losses that occur during the course of business, and they cannot pass these expenses on to their employees.

Another important aspect to consider is that employers are generally not permitted to deduct wages for the benefit or convenience of the employer unless it is allowed by law or authorized in writing by the employee.

This includes deductions for things like uniforms, equipment, or other work-related expenses. If an employer requires its employees to wear a specific uniform or use certain equipment, they are responsible for providing those items at no cost to the employee.

Employers are prohibited from making deductions that would bring an employee’s wages below the required minimum wage. California has specific laws in place to ensure that workers are paid a fair and lawful wage for their services. If an employer makes deductions that result in an employee being paid less than the minimum wage, it is considered illegal and can lead to legal repercussions for the employer.