Probation Period - what does this mean?

milliemonster

I am due to start a new job in 5 weeks time which I am really looking forward to but it has a probation period of 3 months, can anyone explain to me what in real terms this means as I have never had a job with this kind of stipulation before?

I obviously realise that this means that if I don't do the job up to the required standard during this time then they would let me go but how do I know what the required standards would be that would enable me to 'pass'?

During my interviews this wasn't mentioned only that they wouldn't be expecting a lot in the first 6 months whilst I found my feet and understood the work I would be doing, so I don't understand what the probation period means?

Zazen999

They should specify what their required standards are, and you should ask.

Stouffer

It's nothing to worry about. It is just generally a period where if you are unsuitable they can easily release you. But only really in extreme circumstances. Otherwise, just carry on and you'll be alright.

surreysaver

Stouffer wrote: »

It is just generally a period where if you are unsuitable they can easily release you. But only really in extreme circumstances.

Wrong. It means they can get rid of you for no reason. And probabtionary period or not, they can get rid of you for no reason until you've been employed for 12 months.

Pete111

surreysaver wrote: »

Wrong. It means they can get rid of you for no reason. And probabtionary period or not, they can get rid of you for no reason until you've been employed for 12 months.

Nope.

Before 12 months service has been acheived you have no right to claim unfair dismissal.

You still have the right to dispute a dismisal due to grounds of discrimination or breach of company/statutory process which is why most companies follow at least some procedure when letting staff with less than 1 years service go to reduce any potential risk.

I would agree that within probation however, most companies (including mine) adopt a fairly hard line on letting people go quickly as the risk is minimal . Rightly so IMHO - if someone is obvioulsy a wrong fit for the business there is no point solidering on pointlessly.

That said the OP will probably be fine! (but yes do ask them to lay out what they expect of you during your first few days and good luck with your new role.)

P

Stouffer

Cheers Pete. That's sort of what I meant, just trying to put someones mind at ease.

When I said extreme, I meant only in extreme circumstances, IE if the jobs is incorrect for you. They're not going to sack you for wearing ugly shoes, or making an error during training times.

milliemonster

Thanks everyone for your clarification!

I will ask them during my first week of expectations from me in the first few months or so, its a challenging role I'm taking with lots to learn but am looking forward to it

coffee_prince

I start my retail tomorrow and it is the same. TBH I would not be surprised if they got rid of me after that probation, they often say this because they have no intention of making you permanent, and you are just covering a person's annuals leavee or maternity or something

Or maybe I am cynical, but my experience in the job market is far from rosy, and a couple of my friends have been dropped after probation even though they do well

milliemonster

Well I have no reason to believe they would get rid of me for no reason after 3 months, the previous postholder was poached to another company (a customer) after working for them for 2 and a half years and considering they went through an agency to hire me and apparently chose me out of 900 other CV's I would be quite shocked that they went to all this trouble to cover 3 months worth of maternity leave or annual leave

coffee_prince

Yes this is true, I am just a little cynical. I didn't mean to be negative

Zazen999

coffee_prince wrote: »

I start my retail tomorrow and it is the same. TBH I would not be surprised if they got rid of me after that probation, they often say this because they have no intention of making you permanent, and you are just covering a person's annuals leavee or maternity or something

Or maybe I am cynical, but my experience in the job market is far from rosy, and a couple of my friends have been dropped after probation even though they do well

Every job should come with a probation period....if a company is using it to cover maternity or long term sick then shame on them.