Six months probationary period

Ader1

I've been working for this company via an agency for over a year. There have been some working there through the same agency longer and not for as long than myself. We are now being offered a full time contract with a 6 months probationary period (but the contracts will be with the parent company). Is this standard? You would have thought that if we weren't up to the mark then we wouldn't be offered full-time contracts. What's interesting is that there are some guys who were employed by our company who are also being offered a different contract.....a contract from the parent company which is a multi-national. They are also going to be on a 6 months probationary period. It doesn't make sense to me. What do you guys think?

prowla

I think 6 months is a long time; however, it also means that you can walk easily if it doesn't suit you.

jonnygee2

Did they explicitly mention this to you? Or just send you a contract with it on?

It could just be a standard contract they've sent you and they might be willing to remove it.

Alternatively, it's there because they are paying the agency a recruitment fee, and the T's and C's of that would normally mean if you leave within the probationary period the fee is reduced.

Ader1

Yes it was on a contract with it on. Haven't been given an opportunity to question anybody as yet.


I thought that the recruitment fee to an agency was over after you had worked with a company for 13 weeks?

jonnygee2

I thought that the recruitment fee to an agency was over after you had worked with a company for 13 weeks?

Depends on the contracts that have been negotiated.

Ader1

Thank you. I'll ask before signing anything. In fact, I would prefer staying as I am. But I could be replaced if I refuse to sign.

Masomnia

I don't think 6 month probations are unusual, but I can see in your case why when you've worked for them for a long time already you'd feel miffed about it. I'd just ask them in a constructive way if this probation period counts from day 1 of your employment with or does the time under the agency count towards it and that therefore you've passed?

TBH I wouldn't push it too much. I'd be a bit wary of a 'new' employee that was adamant that they didn't want to have a probation period. I think you're within your rights to ask, but the law is unfortunately not on your side.

Congrats on the position though!

Ader1

Thank you Masomnia. Unfortunately, I would prefer to stay as I am and keep an eye out for something more suitable. I enjoy this employment but for reasons I won't go into here, it's not what I really want. Having said that, my priority is to stay in employment.

YBR

At a recent promotion I was asked to sign a contract with a probation period. I've worked for the company over 15 years so queried it. They admitted it was a mistake.
So I think it is worth gently asking, but remember, the probation period will mean you can leave faster if something more suitable appears.

wide_to_wide

What is your position? And will you pay this time? I know that this is sometimes done in some companies.

General_Grant

Does the contract indicate that anything is gained by passing the probation period? Extra holiday or in service death benefit (both probably unlikely)? Or participation in bonus scheme or company sick pay? Or does notice period change?

If nothing changes then it doesn't mean much any way.

Though you are looking for something else, most new employers would expect a new recruit to have to give a month's notice so unless the notice period is longer than that, I would not worry. Does the contract you have with your agency allow you to walk away without giving notice?