Podcast Employment Advice in 5 Minutes | Episode 08 Probation Periods
Welcome to the E&P Services Podcast Episode 08. In this episode we discuss Probation Periods.
The questions:
- What is a Probation Period?
- How long is a Probationary Period?
- Can you leave a job during your probation period?
- What happens at the end of Probation?
- How will the Employment Rights Bill offer protection to employees on Probation?
Listen
Transcript
Jim [00:00:03] Welcome to the E&P Services employment advice in five minutes podcast. E&P services is an employment and payroll company based in Liverpool and servicing businesses all over the UK. I’m your host, Jim Kinloch, and with me is the founder and owner of E&P Services, David Du-Feu. In this episode. Episode eight Probation Periods. Hello, David, how are you?
David [00:00:27] Hi, Jim. Very well, thank you. How are you?
Jim [00:00:30] I’m good, I’m good. We’ll get straight into it then. So the first question is quite simple, really. What is a probation period?
David [00:00:40] Okay. So probation period is an initial period of employment at the start of your new role. And during that time your suitability basically in the role will be assessed.
Jim [00:00:53] It’s very straightforward. And question two how long is a probationary period?
David [00:00:59] It varies, but typically 3 to 6 months depending upon the nature of the role. I would say three months for straightforward roles and maybe six months plus for more senior positions.
Jim [00:01:13] Okay, that’s straightforward as well. Question three can you leave a job during your probation period?
David [00:01:21] Yes, you can leave a job. However, the notice you need to give is dependent upon your contract. So often the notice period is shorter during probationary periods. But if nothing is laid out or set in stone, then one week is the statutory norm under employment law.
Jim [00:01:39] Okey doke. Question four what happens at the end of probation?
David [00:01:46] At the end of probation, there should be a probation review meeting. You can pass probation, maybe have your probation period extended, or you may be informed that you’ve not passed probation, in which case employment would come to an end.
Jim [00:02:00] I see. And finally, question five how will the Employment Rights Bill offer protection to employees on probation?
David [00:02:11] It certainly will give protection to employees through the removal of the two year unfair dismissal ruling. So at present, you can usually dismiss a member of staff with less than two years service without the need to demonstrate a fair reason for the dismissal. But the new Employment Rights Bill is looking to remove this completely. One other proposal is to document performance of team members before any dismissal action. And going back to the earlier point regarding probationary periods, the Employment Rights Bill intends to offer employees greater transparency around the terms of their probationary period. Looking at definition of and structure, etc..
Jim [00:02:51] Okay. That’s straightforward as well. Um. David Du-Feu E&P Services Limited, thank you for your invaluable insights around employment in the UK. You can contact David by visiting the website epservicesukltd.co.uk.
Jim [00:03:08] Everything discussed in this podcast was correct at the time of recording. E&P services are not employment lawyers and advise you to confer with a qualified employment lawyer.
If you have any questions about Probation Periods, then please get in touch.
[image credit: Mina Rad, unsplash.com]
