Probationary Periods

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What are the regulations governing probationary periods? A colleague’s probationary period (of 6 months) ended last month, however management have decided after a recent meeting to extend the probationary period for a further 2 months. As there are some issues between employer and my colleague it is my suspicion that this is to avoid an unfair dismissals situation possibly arising. My concern is can an employer extend a probationary period, which has already ended! Should this not be done prior to the end of the original probationary period??
 
Check the wording on your friends contract. It probably says something like 'unless you receive notification that your probationary period has completed, your probation has been extended' to cover the employer's asses. It is certainly bad practice for the employer not to have extended the probation before the deadline.

That's an interesting article, Clubman. It says "Legislation allows for a probationary term of no more than 12 months". Does anyone know what specific legislation he is referring to here? I've reviewed the Terms of Employment (Information) Act, but I can't find any reference to probationary periods in that Act.
 
Probationary periods don't have a huge amount of legal significance.

The employee only becomes protected by the Unfair Dismissals Act after 12 months. So your friend's employer is really giving the guy a message "We are not sure yet". They can get rid of him at any time during the first year.

Rainyday, I presume that she is referring to the Unfair Dismissals Act when she refers to legislation.

Brendan
 
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