There are no specific rules or requirements surrounding the use of probationary periods. Probationary periods are common and generally last three to six months, with an option to extend to a maximum of eleven months from the employment start date. The terms must be included in the employment contract, including the length of the probationary period.
For all grievance and disciplinary procedures, employers must have a written document following the Code of Practice: Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures. This sets out the stages and process followed when dealing with the alleged shortcomings or complaints of an employee. Employees have to receive a copy of these procedures within 28 days of the start of their employment. Generally, the procedures allow for an informal process/warnings, which escalate to a formal proceeding with written warnings and ultimately to dismissal. Employees have the right to ask for a written statement about the reasons behind dismissal, which the employer has to provide within 14 days of the request.
