Probationary period - how does it work?

[MJ85]

Some background... my current role has a probationary period of 6 months, after which my notice period is three months (prior to this, it is just a week). Is it usual for probation to end automatically at 6 months, or would a signed letter or similar be required to transition from probation to a full time employee?

I've found a job I like and have a good chance of getting. I've hit 6 months today and am worried a 3 month notice period will put them off enough to choose someone else.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[Jasandjules]

What does your contract say regarding the probation period?

[MJ85]

Jasandjules said:

What does your contract say regarding the probation period?

That the probationary period will last 6 months and that it can be extended at their discretion. I have a probationary review next week that my superior has said I have no problems with and will be a full time employee. Six months ended today, so I am unsure if I am regarded as full time now, or after the meeting.

[miniman]

From the employer's side of the desk, I would always work on the basis that if I was going to extend someone's probation or fail them, then letting them tick past the date without telling them either way would be rather poor.

[zarjaz1991]

MJ85 said:

That the probationary period will last 6 months and that it can be extended at their discretion. I have a probationary review next week that my superior has said I have no problems with and will be a full time employee. Six months ended today, so I am unsure if I am regarded as full time now, or after the meeting.

At the probationary review, they should formally advise you how your probation is being taken forwarded:

1. Ended and you're dismissed
2. passed and you're now permanent
3. Unsure so they are extending

You will then get a letter...either at the meeting or soon afterwards...confirming the decision in writing so it's cast-iron.

[StevieBee]

There are several scenarios:

Without formal notification that you have successfully completed your 6-month probation, I would proffer that you are still on it. So you can say to your employer "sorry guys, this isn't for me" and I'd suggest you'd probably be gone by the weekend.

If that isn't the case, and you have to work out the three month period notice then the question is, would the new employer wait? Well, if you are the right person then, yes, they will. Unless that is you have told them that you are on a week's notice and this was a deciding factor in offering you the job, in which case, no, they will not wait.

Take your pick according the reality of the situation.

[Jasandjules]

MJ85 said:

That the probationary period will last 6 months and that it can be extended at their discretion. I have a probationary review next week that my superior has said I have no problems with and will be a full time employee. Six months ended today, so I am unsure if I am regarded as full time now, or after the meeting.

Well, if you have a probationary review, logic would dictate that you will be a full time employee post that meeting but on probation until that meeting.

[MJ85]

All good points.

I agree, telling them it is a week and it turning out to be three months (minus remaining annual leave) won't go down well! It will also be hard to argue that I am a permanent employee when I have yet to be told as such. I will see how things go and report back. No doubt I won't get the job after this!

[halo34]

MJ85 said:

All good points.

I agree, telling them it is a week and it turning out to be three months (minus remaining annual leave) won't go down well! It will also be hard to argue that I am a permanent employee when I have yet to be told as such. I will see how things go and report back. No doubt I won't get the job after this!

Usually people are managed out well in advance of a probation period, its not an end date to work to but a time to asses that person. If I felt it was going to be extended, then any performance management should have been in place before the meeting otherwise its giving little chance for the person to meet expectations or for the company to do whats best for them.

Normally until the meeting takes place and a formal confirmation is received - there is no change to status.

[MJ85]

Sounds good.

[MJ85]

As was half expected... I was the lead candidate, but they've reconsidered the position and pulled it. Ho-hum.