My probationary period has been extended

Abbafan1972

Hi there,

I started my current job in October and reached my 3 months recently.

I got called into a meeting with the company's MD and the main lady in the office I work in (she's not my manager), stating a few concerns (there were some positive points).

This week there is an envelope on my desk when I come back from lunch, I open it and there's a letter stating that my probation has been extended to the end of February and if they do not see a significant improvement, then they may terminate my employment and during this time I am on 1 week's notice.

I agree with some of the stuff they said in the meeting but they have said that I do not complete tasks quick enough to be able to learn new things, but when I've asked the main lady in the office (it states in the letter she is my manager, but even she herself has said she's not a manager, as she doesn't get paid to be a manager), if there's anything else I can do when I've finished what I'm doing, then she then she just says no and has promised to teach me new things and then not followed it through.

There are 3 of us in the office and the other girl is nicer and is willing to teach me things and answer my questions, whereas the other one I don't like asking as I risk getting my head bitten off.

I have already started looking for another job. This is worrying me as I don't want the sack from them, but don't feel I can work with this person, she is the most back stabbing person I've ever met.
But I don't want to be left without a job. I am even open to temporary work.

The thought of going into this place every morning fills me with dread and I just feel sick.

KatrinaWaves

There doesn’t appear to be a particular question here, so all I will say is no one should have to dread going into work. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.

Good luck in your new job hunt

Abbafan1972

KatrinaWaves wrote: »

There doesn’t appear to be a particular question here, so all I will say is no one should have to dread going into work. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.

Good luck in your new job hunt

Yes I know. I just wanted to vent really and hope that someone who has been in the same situation before reads this.

I really didn't want to be looking for another job after 3 months, as it doesn't look very good. Also looking for advice on what to say when asked why do you want to leave.

Undervalued

A probationary period has very little meaning in employment law.

"Passing" probation may give you certain additional contractual benefits, depending on your contract, but it could be argued that all new employees are on "probation" for two years as there is no protection against unfair dismissal (apart from certain types of unlawful discrimination) until then.

[Deleted User]

Hi,


stick it out for now, do your job hunting, and if you are lucky enough you can leave before end of February.


You sound a positive person, so don't wilt.


Good luck in your future.

KatrinaWaves

You don’t need to explain yourself. I’d simply say you’ve extended my probation period so clearly you’re not happy either, You could mention you have frequently asked for ways to improve, training, and havent had anything back so you were unsure what to do to make it better, but you don’t have to.

Lots and lots of short jobs on a CV could raise questions but sometimes things don’t work out, for hundreds of reasons, and potential employers are aware of that. They won’t discount you for one short job.

theoretica

Abbafan1972 wrote: »

I really didn't want to be looking for another job after 3 months, as it doesn't look very good. Also looking for advice on what to say when asked why do you want to leave.

Hopefully in this situation you can talk about how keen you are on the job you are interviewing for.

Pajaro

Abbafan1972 wrote: »

Hi there,

I started my current job in October and reached my 3 months recently.

I got called into a meeting with the company's MD and the main lady in the office I work in (she's not my manager), stating a few concerns (there were some positive points).

This week there is an envelope on my desk when I come back from lunch, I open it and there's a letter stating that my probation has been extended to the end of February and if they do not see a significant improvement, then they may terminate my employment and during this time I am on 1 week's notice.

I agree with some of the stuff they said in the meeting but they have said that I do not complete tasks quick enough to be able to learn new things, but when I've asked the main lady in the office (it states in the letter she is my manager, but even she herself has said she's not a manager, as she doesn't get paid to be a manager), if there's anything else I can do when I've finished what I'm doing, then she then she just says no and has promised to teach me new things and then not followed it through.

There are 3 of us in the office and the other girl is nicer and is willing to teach me things and answer my questions, whereas the other one I don't like asking as I risk getting my head bitten off.

I have already started looking for another job. This is worrying me as I don't want the sack from them, but don't feel I can work with this person, she is the most back stabbing person I've ever met.
But I don't want to be left without a job. I am even open to temporary work.

The thought of going into this place every morning fills me with dread and I just feel sick.

Please look for new job now.

It looks like they have already made up their mind that they want to get rid of you and are just keeping you on for one month while they find a replacement. It seems they do not like you rather than your ability to do your job.

Workplace sounds toxic and so best to leave asap.

Same thing happened to me a few months back and so much happier that I left - although the imbeciles begged me to come back 2 weeks after they fired me and got the pleasure of turning them down!

Masomnia

You're doing the right thing by looking for a new job. Just try to stay positive and looking keen, get as much as you can in writing, letting them know when you've finished work etc.

If they do terminate your employment then try not to despair too much. Sometimes people just aren't the right person for the job, sometimes the job just isn't right for them. Remember it reflects on them too if they've chosen the wrong person for a role! Of course don't be negative though about your current employer in your job hunt.

You can always go to an interview and say the role isn't turning out to be what you expected, it's not the right thing for you, but this why you think the role on offer is... etc. No shame in any of that.

Good luck.

TELLIT01

Have you thought about the situation from your 'managers' point of view. She doesn't think she's your manager, she isn't being paid as your manager, but she is being interrupted in her work by somebody asking questions all the time. It's even possible that she is getting it in the neck for not getting her own work done.
I'm not suggesting that the way you are being treated is fair, simply adding another perspective. I very much doubt the situation is going to improve, so I think you are wise to start looking for another job.
In a larger organisation it might be possible for somebody else to take over your training but that would seem unlikely in such a small setup.

A_Lert

"Set up to fail" comes to mind here. The person who's supposed to be your manager is refusing to be your manager, and their manager doesn't have your back.



How are your finances? If you're in a good position, consider resigning before you're sacked. It'll be better for your CV and future employment prospects in the long run. However it will mean you'll be ineligible for benefits for typically 3 months. So if you don't have spare funds you'll have to stay until you're pushed. Dismissal for poor performance should not affect benefit eligibility (but beware Universal Credit may "sanction" anyway).