Probation has been extended with reasons too vague to act on

somuchsoupeverywhere

I started a new job in September, with an initial 3 month probation period. Over that period I threw myself into not just the day to day work that was expected of me but also a project that I had highlighted in my interview process that I would like to take on which was a little bit outside of my skill area but that I'm very capable of doing.

By the time my first probation review rolled around I'd had nothing but glowing praise for everything I was working on, perfect attendance, and was getting along great with the rest of the team. So it came as a huge surprise to me when my probation was extended by two months (I only found out during the meeting with my manager). The reasons given were simply that my manager needed more time to assess my abilities as she'd been in a phased return to work due to a serious illness earlier in the year, so while I wasn't completely happy I understood her reasons and agreed to it. Nothing actionable was highlighted in the letter confirming this and it was stated that the quality of my work wasn't an issue. I've since carried on with my work as normal, but my next review which is due in early Feb hasn't even been booked in yet, so I raised that with my manager asking if there was anything they needed me to prep for it.

Her response has really thrown me, she was talking about how strict the company is on 'passing probation' and how there it involves providing a lot of proof that I can do the job, but I had thought that the fact I've been doing the job for months (and doing it well) would have been enough. She said we would have a meeting regardless of what was decided but that I don't have to worry about not having a job, so now I'm just really confused and starting to suspect they'll extend the probation again.

What do I do here? I cant access any of the job perks and bonuses that they were so eager to push as a benefit of taking this position until I pass probation. I'm not comfortable with extending my probation again for reasons that are so vague... Essentially I want to go to this next meeting prepared to assert some boundaries and I am willing to give notice to quit if the situation is starting to look really unworkable for me.

Does anyone have any advice on this? I've never had a probation extended or failed before and I'm in my late thirties, so this is all unknown territory for me, but none of it feels quite right to me.

LawAbiding

What does your contract state regarding probationary period? Does it mention the right to extend by the employer?

somuchsoupeverywhere

@lawabiding yes it does say it can be extended up to 6 months. That would mean they can perhaps give one more month, there was no note on how many times it can happen. I'm more concerned by the reasons behind it, which to be honest I dont understand and feel I can do little about.

LawAbiding

Ok, so thats good up to 6 months. mine says 12 months!

So if they can only give 1 more month as its been extended previously, I would personally just live with it and get on with it, you already done it for 5 months, 1 more won't hurt.

You do not want to cause issues specially in your probationary period, and it is unfair if they are extending it without a fair reason.

I am no legal expert, so cannot talk from a legal point of view, but if I was in your shoes, see how the approach is to the next meeting, maybe start asking if your performance is good/acceptable and what can you do if the employer is is anywhere nervous in making you permanent.

stator

Tell them that you are extending their employer's probation by 3 months and you will make a decisions then about whether you want to work for them.


Apart from the 'perks' the probation thing is meaningless, since they can still fire you for no reason up to 2 years since you started.


As LawAbiding has said, just wait the extra month and see what happens. After the 6 month period you could write a letter to HR asking them to confirm that your probation has ended since you've reached the maximum 6 months in your contract.

Dox

Clearly the problem is hers, not yours - but that doesn't help you! If your contract gives a maximum 6 months probation, then a decision needs to be taken pretty soon by the company - and from what you've said, it is hard to see why they wouldn't wish to keep you.

In practical terms, try to keep as calm as you can (so much easier said than done) and go to the meeting with a list of questions you 'need' to be answered - questions designed to clarify exactly what further 'proof', 'information' or whatever is needed to give your manager the reassurance she needs. Don't be afraid to point out that you have now reached the maximum 6 month probation period, or to add (with a smile...) that you would love to be able to access the excellent benefit package discussed at interview.

TELLIT01

As a decision has to be made within a month anyway I would just go along with it, frustrating as that is. Rocking the boat now can only be viewed as a negative by management.

somuchsoupeverywhere

Update: the 4th came and went and no probation meeting was booked or has happened. I emailed the head of HR to enquire about it and was told that my manager is planning on having it the next day. That day came and went with nothing. So am I still on probation? The end date has passed and I'm still here, still working on projects and being booked in for meetings over the next few weeks. I get fobbed off every time I bring it up.

somethingcorporate

Have you asked your manager?


Why dont you put the meeting in to talk about it? You could always invite HR too and take a copy of your contract to discuss that exact point.

Dox

Time to take a much firmer stance. Instead of e-mailing, try picking up a telephone and not putting it down until you have a date - THEN e-mail and confirm that date.

If the meeting doesn't happen before your contractual 6 months maximum probation is up, then e-mail HR pointing that out and asking them to confirm that benefits etc will be paid from the end of the 6 month period.

stator

Start looking for another job, if you don't have any other options then you just have to put up with whatever they decide. If you have another job offer then you can give them an ultimatum