Probationary period extended - advice.

[dukuman]

Hi all,

I'm a part timer, started summer of 2011. My probationary period was due to end 6 months after, and a small pay rise too!

I didn't get the pay rise so I called HR to ask for a copy of my contract (couldn't find my copy) and was informed that my trial period had been extended by my manager.

Now I'm fully aware that they can do it (it's in the contract) but surely they have to inform me? Asking around it seems a few new starters have had their trial periods extended, with the managers citing "tests needing to be done"

I've called the DO Union rep and his number is not connecting, and left 4 messages on the local area rep's mobile and he hasn't replied.

Also, around 1 month after my trial period "should" have ended, i went sick for 2 days. Now the manager wants to do a stage 1 next week, which will mean whilst on that my job will still be on a knife edge!

Any idea's guys? Should the manager have got me to sign something regarding the extension? Thanks all.

[spen]

dont think they can stage you for having 2 days off

[fishtank]

The standards for employees on trial are...

Stage 1: 2 absences or 7 days in a 6 month period
Stage 2: 1 absence in the next 2 months
Stage 3: 1 absence in the next 2 months

As for the extension to your trial period....
Ask to see your 13 week interim report and your 25 week final report.
Speak to both your rep and your work place coach and get your rep to ask for the reasons in writing for the extension to your trial period.
It sounds dubious but until you know the reasoning it's hard to tell whether he has ground to extend it.