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The Global Insight

Can an employee be terminated while on probation?

Author

James Williams

Updated on April 04, 2026

Best practice for dismissing an employee during probation If you’ve decided to dismiss an employee, perhaps for poor work performance or bad conduct, you can do so at any time – either during, or at the end of, their probationary period. You don’t have to follow a procedure, give them a warning or even provide notice.

What is probationary termination?

Purpose and Effect of Probation Periods It allows an employer a period of time to assess a new hire on their suitability for the role. Instead, it allows an employer to terminate an employee without cause in the first three months of employment, without notice or pay in lieu of notice.

Can you sue for unfair dismissal during probation?

When you get a new job, you might have to work a probationary period. However, if you lose your job while you’re still on probation, you are still protected in certain circumstances. If so, you may be able to bring a claim for unfair dismissal and be awarded compensation for losing your job.

Can an employee claim unfair dismissal during probation?

Employees who are still in their probationary period are typically not able to claim unfair dismissal. This is because only workers who have been employed continuously at a company for two years can claim unfair dismissal, provided there has been no discrimination involved in the dismissal process.

Can you be fired without warning on probation?

If you’re on probation Being on probation doesn’t give you any specific legal rights. You can be dismissed with 1 week’s notice while you’re on probation – or longer if your contract says you’re entitled to more notice. Check your contract to see what it says about your probation period and when you can be dismissed.

Can employer terminate employee without notice during probation?

An employee can be terminated without assigning any reason during the probation period which is 6 months under the law. The basic idea behind keeping an employee on probation is to give the employer an opportunity to evaluate the employee’s performance before confirming the appointment.

Can you appeal a probation termination?

While an employee can’t claim unfair dismissal during the first year of their employment, they can claim for wrongful dismissal. As a sign of good faith, you can give up to five working days to lodge an appeal. …

When can a probationary employee be terminated?

The services of an employee who has been engaged on a probationary basis may be terminated for a just cause or when he fails to qualify as a regular employee in accordance with reasonable standards made known by the employer to the employee at the time of his engagement.

When does an employer terminate a probationary employee?

For the termination of a probationary employee, Article 281 of the Labor Code says that if during this probationary period, it becomes evident that the employee fails to meet the company’s standards or any of the above-mentioned just causes occur, the employer is eligible to terminate their contract.

When to tell an employee they are on probation?

Under the terms of the Labor Code, these standards should be made known to the employees on probationary status at the start of their probationary period, or at the time during which the probationary standards are to be applied.

How long can you work after a probationary period?

Probationary employment shall not exceed six (6) months from the date the employee started working, unless it is covered by an apprenticeship agreement stipulating a longer period. An employee who is allowed to work after a probationary period shall be considered a regular employee.

What happens if there is no probationary period?

In the absence of a probationary period clause in the employment contract, the employer will have to rely on the usual notice provisions to terminate the employment contract.