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HR bods If you can, please advise on slightly weird work situation during probation period

29 replies

M48294Y · 08/01/2026 20:59

Name changed for privacy reasons.

I am about half way through a 3 month probation period in a new job, tiny company. I have a manager but then above that manager (LM) are the two owners/directors/shareholders of the company.

I am hating the job and yesterday told my LM that, at my probabation period review date, I would most likely tell them that I was leaving. I did this in advance to give the company the chance to re-advertise and recruit someone else before I actually do leave because they really need someone in the role and it isn't that easy to fill. So I suppose in effect I have given them 6 weeks notice - I reckon I can stick it for another 6 weeks.

My primary reason for hating the job is massive personality clash with LM and incompatability in working styles, methods etc. Also I am on a lower pay rate than I thought I would be when I said yes to the job, my fault for not confirming it.

So anyway, today, the head of HR (this is a minute company with 8 office staff including me and the head of HR is one of these) gave me a letter which says:

"I am writing to advise that you are to attend a probationary review meeting on Monday. The head of HR will chair this hearing and your LM will also be in attendance as note taker. The meeting is to discuss your progress as * role. We will be reviewing your progress to date, with particular emphasis on your performance and time keeping."

Then another paragraph about my right to be accompanied by a work colleague or trade union rep Grin (no trade union that I am aware of).

Then "I must inform you that possible outcomes of this review meeting include an extension to your probationary period or termination of your employment".

So I'm guessing the letter is some sort of statutory requirement and they're going to say "bye then" on Monday and I'll be packing up my desk. I'm obviously not going to be agreeing to an extension of my probationary period! It seems a strange outcome to my conversation with my LM yesterday.

Can anyone conversant in HR let me know?

OP posts:
Thesheerrelief · 08/01/2026 21:53

We use identical letters when holding probationary review meetings where it is likely we will be letting that person go. You've triggered an early exit date by telling your line manager that you would likely leave in six weeks. Nothing wrong with that at all - and it sounds like that's what you want - but by preempting it with your line manager it's prompted them to get ahead of the situation.

Thesheerrelief · 08/01/2026 21:54

Also agree with PPs that you now have the option of tendering your resignation before Monday.

ZenNudist · 08/01/2026 21:58

That's standard wording at our place too for probationary reviews where we aren't going to keep the person. I think it's a good idea to reply as suggested upthread that you have already given notice to resign. Otherwise you have to go through all the rigmarole of them dumping you when you have already dumped them.

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M48294Y · 09/01/2026 12:32

Resignation letter sent, thanks all for the input.

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