Interview during probationary period

[Charlotte1605]

Evening ladies!
Had no idea where else to ask this question but wondered if someone on here may know the answer...
I recently started work in a school as a midday assistant, I'm on a 26 week probation period, have signed a contract, and currently in the eighth week of the probation.
I explained to work a few weeks back that universal credit have said I need to work more hours and look for more work, even if this means leaving my current position.
The other week I applied for a job in another school, full time hours as a teaching assistant and have been offered an interview. The interview offered is within the hours I currently work.
I've responded and accepted the interview and will of course go into work Monday and again explain about universal credit and the offer of an interview but just wondered if anyone knew if my current work placement can refuse me attending? As I said I'm in a probationary period so does this make a difference?
I'd already given my current employment a heads up a few weeks back that I needed more hours but just wondered if they could say I can't have the time off to interview?
Thanks all!

They probably can yes.

Sorry have no advice, just bumping your post for you!

Would you be able to use a days holiday or say you have an appointment or similar?

They can say no I suppose.

But you could ignore it.

They can say no. Employers aren't obliged to give you time off for interviews. It's extremely unusual to tell them you have an interview and probably best not to.

Take annual leave.

Hi all, thanks for your replies.
As I already work in a school I unfortunately don't get annual leave or holiday days and so this isn't an option. Also can't phone in seek as prospective employer is requesting references before interview.
I think it's probably best for me to go in Monday morning and explain the situation, say that out of respect for the school I'm informing them about the interview rather than phoning in sick and although I'm requesting the time off I wouldn't dream of asking for this paid.
Be overly sweet and all that!

Honesty is the best policy.

I'd ring in sick. If you don't get the job, you'll feel silly and they'll resent the fact you're only there until something better comes along (and they'll start looking to replace you before they have to).

Agree ringing in sick is the best way to protect all your options. Honesty is nice but it might cost you dear and in this situation you are within your rights to be selfish I think! X

Hi OP. I work in a school and ime, it is definitely better to be honest about these things. As you have said, you can't choose to take annual leave, since it doesn't work like that in schools. Also, if they have requested references before interview, your current ht is likely already aware you are looking for other jobs. HTs also tend to speak to each other for 'off the record' info on prospective employees. Honesty is definitely the best policy. If it helps, I have never known a HT to refuse someone time off for an interview.

You'll have to be honest because of the references before interview situation. I work in a school too and it's impossible to job hunt without your employer knowing about it.

Can you not reschedule the interview outside working time?

Thanks everyone!
Part of the interview consists working with a group of children within the classroom so unfortunately unable to schedule outside of work hours

How did it go? Did you tell them?

I went in today and was very honest with them, explained the situation and they were so understanding, gave me the time off to attend and wished me luck.
Thanks everyone for all your help!