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The Global Insight

Why is my probation period 6 months?

Author

John Hall

Updated on March 20, 2026

The probationary period and the first 6 months of employment are a vital period of time and provide the opportunity to closely monitor the employee for their performance and fit within the organisation in a relatively risk free way.

How do you explain probation period?

A probation period is the period of time at the start of an employment when an employee may be dismissed with little or no notice if they’re found to be unsuitable for the role. It’s very normal to include probation periods – typically three months in length – within any new employment contract.

What does the Labour law say about probation period?

The Labour Relations Act (LRA) and probation During the probation period the employee is still entitled to the full protection of labour laws. With probation, the intention is not for the employer to dismiss the probationer “at will” if not entirely satisfied with his/her performance.

What happens at end of probation period?

At the end of the probation period, you should either; confirm the employee’s employment, extend the probationary period or terminate their employment. An organisation can only extend a probationary period, to allow more time to assess the new employee’s suitability, if it forms part of the employment contract.

Is 6 months probation normal?

LENGTH OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD It is typical for a probationary period to last no longer than six months, and three months where an employee is moving to a new post internally. The probationary period may sometimes be extended, though this should be mentioned in the contract of employment.

Can I be fired after probation period?

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. If your employer is dismissing you because they’re not happy with your work, ask them if they’ll extend your probation period or give you extra training so you can do your job better.

Can I leave during my probation period?

If an employee’s in their probation period and chooses to leave before it’s over, if you don’t have a set term in your contracts of employment, they must give the statutory minimum notice period – which is one week.

Can I be sacked for no reason 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.

Is 6 months probation period legal?

LENGTH OF PROBATIONARY PERIOD There is no law determining the length of a probationary period. However, there is an expectation that the employer will be reasonable. It is typical for a probationary period to last no longer than six months, and three months where an employee is moving to a new post internally.

How long should you be on probation for?

A director has suggested as long as 6 months for probation. Does anyone know of any reason, legal or not, that we couldn’t do a 4, 5 or even 6 month probation period? 6 months seems a little long but 4 months could potentially be beneficial for all.

When does an employer put an employee on probation?

Probation. Employers can put their employees on a probation period (also known as a probationary period) to assess if employees are suitable for the role and business. The employer decides on the length of the probation period. It can range from a few weeks to a few months at the start of employment.

What happens at the end of a probationary period?

If the employee has taken less statutory holiday than he or she has accrued during the probationary period, the employer should make a payment in lieu of untaken holiday, on termination. How to manage probationary periods: dismissal during or at end of probation.

When do you have to give notice of probation?

This must be no less than the statutory notice period of one week following the first month of employment. This means you don’t have to give notice during the first month of the probation period, provided your employment contract does not specify anything different.