Please deduct the amount your employee agreed to have deducted from each wage or salary payment due the employee. No, an employer cannot withhold or deduct from wages pending the return of uniforms, tools, pagers, or any other employer owned equipment.5.0 Protection of Wages and Deductions. 5.1 As per the Cook Islands Law, the Employer shall deduct PAYE and CINSF contributions directly from the weekly pay and submit to the respective authorities.