Work have arranged a performance review after only 7 weeks at work. Help!

[Loobieloo27]

I work for a big company as a baker. I started end of july. I've had no prior experience in this sector so its all very new to me. I have been told what i produxe is of high quality.
Today i recieved a letter to attend a meeting to discuss my not producing enough stock while at work. My training consisted of 4 days working alongside another baker, after those days i was left to produce the same as him which i have found difficult to achieve at times due to how much is needed by one person.

A week after i started i had a previously booked holiday which they knew about so have only properly been working there 6 weeks.

Any advice? Whats my chances of being sacked? I do feel its unfair.

Thanks

If you really like the job and are keen to show willingness to bring yourself up to the required standard there’s no reason why Piffpaff won’t be right

I'm with PiffPaff. I'd have a quick think as to ways in which you can speed up. Eg is there anyone else can help you prepare a certain item or items, eg measuring ingredients beforehand?
Then go into the meeting being enthusiastic about the job, and just let them know you know they will know you need a 20 min break after 6 hours but let them know you haven't been taking it in order to keep up as best you can - but feel a break would actually improve your productivity, and present your ideas for speeding up.

I can't believe you sent those messages to your manager. You've effectively set yourself up if you've said you can't cope, etc in writing.

I think you need to be really honest about whether this is the job for you. Wanting to work is not a reason to stay in a job you're not suited to/not coping with. If, however, you really want to stay and improve to meet their requirements then you need to make that clear.

Have you taken breaks when you're not supposed to? If they're breaking the law over breaks that's one thing, but if you're taking unauthorised breaks or not getting there on time, etc then that's something else.

Hi op if you've raised the fact that you're working without a break for more than 6 hours you are telling them they are breaking the law because you are entitled to a 20 minute break after 6 hours.

That gives you protection as a whistleblower so you would potentially have some rights if dismissed.

Could you try and drop into the conversation that you are concerned about the fact that they are holding this meeting after you raised the issue of breaks. It's only the 20 mins unpaid break that is a statutory right but if the worst happens I'd suggest you speak to ACAS.

My manager has said breaks are important but if i took them id be even more behind then i am. I have been staying later to get this done so hopefully does show im trying. Yes someobe there for a few hours to do the little things would help massively. I feel guilty for leaving things hence the message to manager, probably shouldnt have

You may find that as you've said you're struggling, they want to talk about how they can help. If I'm honest I'd expect them to extend probation too, so they can see if the new measures help and you feel more like you're coping.

If you can think of some ways they could support you, that might help. More training? Is it just inexperience and you think you'll get faster?

At the end of the day, they won't want you skipping breaks and staying late to complete work, those are big red flags to managers. They want you to be able to complete the workload in the allocated time, without being too stressed or unhappy, so you're both working towards the same end goal. I hope it goes well

Don't engage in private messages and do not attend an official meeting on your own without someone to support you. Please join a trade union and make sure you are represented. You will then have a rep who will support you through any official meetings, as well as access to training and legal advice and representation should you need it. There is a union just for bakers who should be able to give you industry specific advice. Join now and don't delay. www.bfawu.org/

Good luck today.

They have to warn you a possible outcome is dismissal. If they don't, they could get in trouble later for not warning you that it's a possible outcome.

Hi thanks for checking back. I had the meeting and i've kept my job! The woman who requested the meeting found out id not been given any formal training so couldnt dismiss me legally.

Now my probation has been extended for 12 weeks, im getting the required training and a helping hand when needed.

Panic over! And lesson learnt dont rant to my manager when stressed 😏

That's great news. Best of luck with the next few weeks.

Very, very pleased for you!

That's great!