Changing Roles Within Company

Author
Discussion

lemonslap

Original Poster:

964 posts

156 months

Saturday 15th October 2011
quotequote all
Hi all, looking for advise..

I resigned 2 weeks ago following a job offer, my current company has now offered me a role in a different department to keep me onboard. However they will want me to work a probationary period again of 6 months, is this normal? Thanks in advance smile

rog007

5,761 posts

225 months

Saturday 15th October 2011
quotequote all
It could be normal, but it's your employer you would need to ask to be sure. Is the other role you have been offered on probation? Have you asked?

Plus, I'd consider carefully why it was that I was leaving the company in the first place. If those reasons haven't changed, then continuing with the move may still be the most appropriate option. Good luck!

Simon Brooks

1,517 posts

252 months

Saturday 15th October 2011
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Are they trying to create a break in employment so you don't have a continuous employment in case they want to make you redundant at some point

lemonslap

Original Poster:

964 posts

156 months

Sunday 16th October 2011
quotequote all
Thanks all, yes to confirm I have been told the new role will require a 6 month probationary period. Not sure if I am going to stay tbh, but the position offered is a promotion hence I am weighing it up! For info I have been with the company 5 years.

vladcjelli

2,978 posts

159 months

Sunday 16th October 2011
quotequote all
You wanted out, your company doesn't really want you to go but is covering itself by putting you on probation.

This way, if you still look like you have itchy feet or deeper issues with them, they can let you go without too much fuss, blaming it on your lack of suitability for the new role.

lemonslap

Original Poster:

964 posts

156 months

Sunday 16th October 2011
quotequote all
vladcjelli said:
You wanted out, your company doesn't really want you to go but is covering itself by putting you on probation.

This way, if you still look like you have itchy feet or deeper issues with them, they can let you go without too much fuss, blaming it on your lack of suitability for the new role.
Thanks I understand why, hence my question if it's legal as I have been there for a while.

GSP

1,965 posts

205 months

Sunday 16th October 2011
quotequote all
You've not yet left, working your notice presumably? And they want you to stay but on 6 months probation!!!

I would be careful, are they suggesting they are treating you as a completely new employee? So your 5 years previously worked means nothing... No increase in holidays for time spent, no pay off if your made redundant in your first 2 years.

You wanted to leave... I'd stick with that thought.

Engineer1

10,486 posts

210 months

Sunday 16th October 2011
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On a related point, I started on a 6 month Temp contract in my role, I now have the permanent role but with a 6 month probationary period, do I have continuity of service? The ex HR guy in the office seems to think I do is he right?

sharpfocus

13,812 posts

192 months

Sunday 16th October 2011
quotequote all
Is it normal to be put on probation when offered a promotion? No!

lemonslap

Original Poster:

964 posts

156 months

Sunday 16th October 2011
quotequote all
Cheers all smile, yes on my notice period atm. The role offered is completely different from what I do now, although I have the skills to do the job. Its the continuation of service part I don't understand, surely I can't be treated as a new member of staff? confused

edc

9,243 posts

252 months

Sunday 16th October 2011
quotequote all
Lots of speculation as to what the intention is but the only way you will know is to ask directly. My suspicion is that all your usual employment rights will be protected and if during the probation period the role does not work out you will revert back to your previous role and T&Cs.

monkey gland

574 posts

156 months

Sunday 16th October 2011
quotequote all
All sounds a bit odd really.

I would take the new job. After all you were looking for a new job, and accepted the one that was offered.

Staying will leave you in a very awkward position in my opinion.

You've not said if you prefer the new employer's role or the current employer's offered "promotion"?

Would you take the current employer's offer if there wasn't the probationary period?

andy-xr

13,204 posts

205 months

Monday 17th October 2011
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Sounds like they wanted to make a counter offer for you to stay but couldn't change the salary/comms so went with a promotion instead

Interesting tactic - I'm the sort of person who thinks about leaving, decides to look for another job, decides to leave and then it's just the admin. If your minds made up already that you want out then a promotion in your current company might not be whats right for you

I'd not be taking the probation period thing though if you decide to stay


New POD

3,851 posts

151 months

Monday 17th October 2011
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In the old days, they used to promote people who they wanted to leave. They back filled the old job, and then found that they were no longer capable in the new position. So they followed the 13 steps to dismissal (See ACAS website) and then "managed them out". If they were made redundant they'd be entitled to Full redundancy package dated from the initial start date, but if they went the performance / capablility route, they could do it for free.

Personally, I'd take the new job, and tell the old one thanks for the experience etc.

Odie

4,187 posts

183 months

Monday 17th October 2011
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I'd leave its pretty clear they have no concern for you and are trying to cover themselves. They may even be trying to get you to do a 6 months hand over.

CurvaParabolica

6,732 posts

185 months

Monday 17th October 2011
quotequote all
Engineer1 said:
On a related point, I started on a 6 month Temp contract in my role, I now have the permanent role but with a 6 month probationary period, do I have continuity of service? The ex HR guy in the office seems to think I do is he right?
Depends if you temp work was through an agency/3rd party or direct to the company (I.e. PAYE/fixed term contract). If it's the latter then your service should be recognized. If its the former then during those 6 months you were effectively employed by another company, so service cannot be counted (for the likes of employment rights/RIF pay etc).

However some companies might honor the service for service award purposes.

lemonslap

Original Poster:

964 posts

156 months

Tuesday 18th October 2011
quotequote all
Cheers all for the advise, continuing on my path to my new company..