The offer of employment with the Abbey Group is subject to a 3 or 6 month probationary period. The probationary period may be extended or not confirmed. The HR department is responsible for monitoring the probation period. The specifics of the probationary period are outlined in the Employee Handbook and Contract of Employment.

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PROCEDURE

HR will contact the Manager at the first, third and fourth month intervals requesting the Manager’s feedback on the new employee.  The Manager is requested to complete a Probation Check in Review Form. It is the individual Manager’s responsibility to raise any issues or concerns that are related to the performance of the employee with HR before the final month of the probationary period is served.

 

It is recommended that the Manager meets with the new employee at both check-ins (and at regular intervals) to see how they are getting on and if they have any issues. The Manager must inform the employee of their performance and any issues and if probation is to be passed, not confirmed or extended. The Manager is responsible for providing the employee with appropriate assistance and supervision to perform their duties to the best of their abilities.

 

If there is no improvement with the employee’s progress, performance or conduct after the 2nd check in then a PIP (Performance Improvement Plan) is to be implemented. The purpose of the PIP is to identify areas where there has been unsatisfactory progress, performance or conduct and immediate improvement is required. It also requires the Manager to highlight what support is to be provided and the time frames, the Manager must agree on a review date with the employee for follow up and feedback.

 

If a Manager wishes to extend the probationary period, they must inform HR a week before the employee’s review date (HR will notify the Manager of this at the 2nd/3rd check in). The Manager must let HR know the time period of the extension and the reasons for the extension, the employee must be made aware of same.

 

If the probationary period can be passed the Manager must inform HR to issue the pass probation letter.