Failed Probation

EP

Hello,
I worked for an organisation on a six month probation.
The interim reviews (from my manager) were five star, and I was recommended for private work to friends of the manager.
Towards the end of the probation I was injured at work, and had to go on sick leave.
I was unable to attend the final probation review meeting. The organisation ended my probation on performance issues, and sent me a list of trivial incidents. None of the alleged incidents were reported to me at the time they occurred. No concerns were raised throughout the probation period.
I wrote a robust response to each point they raised but had no interest in continuing working for the organisation, so did not make a final appeal.
I am aware a probation period can be ended without giving a reason, but I believe they used the unsatisfactory performance route to hide the fact they did not want to offer a permanent contract to someone who was injured.
My question: how to explain this "failure" to future employers. The approaches I can think of are:

1. Just put the dates of employment and make no other mention about reason for leaving
2. State I failed the probation, possibly with a comment on the lines of "I dispute the reasons" etc.
3. Go into greater detail - I could include the response sent to HR re all of the points they raised.
   

It looks bad on my CV. I've never had performance issues anywhere else I have worked.
Any advice appreciated.

DCFC79

Do number 1, what you should have asked the previous employer was for a reference.
They may only state dates of employment and nothing else.

Comms69

Dont lie - that's rule number 1. If asked say you were injured, took time off and the employer decided not to offer a further contract.

In first 2 years an employer doesnt need a reason to dismiss you.

Undervalued

EP said:

Hello,
I worked for an organisation on a six month probation.
The interim reviews (from my manager) were five star, and I was recommended for private work to friends of the manager.
Towards the end of the probation I was injured at work, and had to go on sick leave.
I was unable to attend the final probation review meeting. The organisation ended my probation on performance issues, and sent me a list of trivial incidents. None of the alleged incidents were reported to me at the time they occurred. No concerns were raised throughout the probation period.
I wrote a robust response to each point they raised but had no interest in continuing working for the organisation, so did not make a final appeal.
I am aware a probation period can be ended without giving a reason, but I believe they used the unsatisfactory performance route to hide the fact they did not want to offer a permanent contract to someone who was injured.
My question: how to explain this "failure" to future employers. The approaches I can think of are:

1. Just put the dates of employment and make no other mention about reason for leaving
2. State I failed the probation, possibly with a comment on the lines of "I dispute the reasons" etc.
3. Go into greater detail - I could include the response sent to HR re all of the points they raised.
   

It looks bad on my CV. I've never had performance issues anywhere else I have worked.
Any advice appreciated.

They may well have done although they didn't actually need to unless your injury / illness amounted to a disability. If it did then they would have been obliged to make reasonable adjustments.

But for certain limited protections, in effect all new employees are on "probation" for two years as during that time the employer doesn't need a reason to dismiss, nor is there any practical way of compelling them to give a reason.
 To be honest I would try to avoid giving too much detail. Concentrate on the positives and let any potential employer who doesn't directly ask assume that economic factors and / or your injury were the reason you left. So, option 1.

jonnygee2

Absolutely number one.

If asked at interview, be honest about it. Say that you failed probation and it's been a learning experience - add that it was partly due to an injury. I wouldn't say you dispute the reasons, it makes you look argumentative, just say it was an experience and you've learned from it.

Personally I never really worry about hiring people who have been fired from a single job, but I do generally look to see if they are honest and if they seem to have taken feedback on board. I think most employers are probably the same. Ultimately people get fired for lots of reasons and its too much to second guess - if they have the skills its fine.

EP

A complication is that a job I wish to apply for is next door to the old employer. I have already met the potential new manager, whilst in the previous post, who must have heard the story about why I was dismissed....

Undervalued

EP said:

A complication is that a job I wish to apply for is next door to the old employer. I have already met the potential new manager, whilst in the previous post, who must have heard the story about why I was dismissed....

Well there is no answer to that. Either he is bothered or he isn't.

TBagpuss

Normally, No1. If asked, you can say that you had had good reviews during your probation period, were injured towards the end of it and then dismissed. 

TELLIT01

Agreed that Option 1 is the best choice.  As reason for leaving you could put did not complete probation period due to injury and associated absence.

EP

TELLIT01 said:

Agreed that Option 1 is the best choice.  As reason for leaving you could put did not complete probation period due to injury and associated absence.

Won't I have to say (if asked) "I completed and 'failed' the probation period. I was absent when the probation period ended."?

Emmia

I'd avoid using "failed probation" as it opens up more questions - you could "fail" for many reasons from verbal or physical abuse of your colleagues, non attendance... just put the dates of your employment, and state that you left as a permanent contract wasn't offered at the end of your probationary period, due to an injury that you suffered (that you're hopefully recovered from?)

Fail is an incredibly negative word to tar yourself with.