Can I refuse to go on a PIP if I don’t agree with it?

[Gamecha]

Do I have any rights? I feel like this has come out of the blue and absolutely do not feel it is justified. Can I do anything?

What do you mean by PIP?

Why would you though? You must have difficulties to be awarded PIP?

She doesn't mean personal independence payments she means performance improvement plan.

OP you will face real difficulties if you refuse to go on a PIP. You may find yourself getting managed out. Why don't you agree with it? Do you have a union?

Are you talking about a Performance Improvement Plan at work?

I assume the OP means a personal improvement plan.

OP have a look at any work capability policies, that may set out the steps and process. If you are in a union speak to them immediately.

You can refuse, but that would just invoke the next stage and you'll end up going through the disciplinary process.

@FortyElephants it would take me ages to explain why I don’t agree with it. But I am very firm in my view that this was my manager’s objective rather than any deficiencies in my work. I don’t have a union.

@LetMeGoogleThat thank you. What would the next stage be?

Are you in a sales job? If so, are you meeting your targets?

If you're not in a sales role, honestly, your time is done in this role. I have been managing for 20 years and if you're being put on a PIP it's because you're not a good fit for what they need. Are they offering you a package to leave?

Either way, you need to find a new role.

Is it a formal PIP or informal?
the next steps after a formal PIP are role adjustments and if no improvement then termination.

@BillyNoProblems not sales. It’s an office job. I don’t accept the criticism he has levelled at me and in fact can show that other professionals in my role would have produced similar work. I am very confident about that (although also quite distressed that this is happening)

I’m pretty sure my employee is going to argue every fact on their PIP. Doesn’t stop the fact they are almost totally incapable in a professional capacity and too self-absorbed to be told otherwise.

I can evidence every point though.

I know it’s not fun op but being combative won’t help your case at all. You need to work WITH them or leave.

@FortyElephants a formal pip has been suggested. What would role adjustments be? A pay cut? Change of hours?

Oh OP I’m sorry I misunderstood. Good luck with it all x

@ThatLovingOpalFawn thanks…!

(I will look, I’m sad about it though)

I work in HR, no you can't really refuse to go on a PIP. as others have said, if you did it would just skip to the next stage of a formal disciplinary process where you would likely be managed out for not performing and not doing PIP to try and improve performance. If you feel that strongly that you shouldn't be on the PIP then surely you should easily be able to meet the targets that will be set out in the PIP as it's all target based, they will be set out in the introductory meeting.

@TouchOfSilverShampoo i guess it is possible I have an inflated view of my abilities. It’s hard to be objective I suppose. But then again I’ve been qualified for quite a few years and never had a problem before this

Explain to your manager why you shouldn’t be put on a PIP with evidence that the reasons for it are inaccurate (e.g. glowing appraisals, feedback from clients, evidence of hitting targets). If they still disagree take it to HR and let them investigate. You may want to raise a grievance - check your company handbook for the relevant policy and procedures.

Of course you can refuse. You can refuse most things in life.

Be prepared to be managed out, though.

@Sagittarius25 thanks, this is helpful. The reason I am against the PIP is that I do not trust that this has been suggested in good faith. I have good reason to believe he wants me to leave

Do you mean I would be disciplined for not performing well in that moment, but if I went on the PIP they would assess it instead? What would disciplining me involve?

Not engaging with the process will bring you closer to dismissal, not further from it.
Have you seen the PIP document ? Are the objectives they want you to meet achievable ?
Usually PIPs have very specific criteria for success, so if those are within your reach, and you're happy you'll be able to prove that throughout the process, then you won't loose anything by going along with it.
If you feel the objectives are rigged/unachievable/not appropriate for you role, that's a different kettle of fish - but dispute & negotiate the contents of the PIP with HR or your manager's manager etc, rather than the actual PIP itself.
That is if you want to fight and stay in your job - if you don't, nod along and leave when suits you (or let them push you out)

I am an employment lawyer - no, you can’t refuse a PIP, as it isn’t optional! That’s what your employer has decided needs to happen.

I’ll be honest though and say in most cases (but not all) it’s the beginning of the end.

You can challenge the fairness of it though. Make sure they set objective and measurable criteria. If your goals are unfair compared to others doing similar work, make sure you record that with them. Provide examples to counter theirs where possible. If you want to save your job, and assuming the PIP is (objectively) fair - you need to reflect and see how you can improve, and work with them to get to the required standard.

If, after some reflection you still genuinely feel it’s objectively unfair and you’re being singled out, there’s always the option of a grievance.

@Gamecha well the PIP is the informal procedural process for poor performance. If someone doesn't improve their performance and meet the set targets then they haven't passed the PIP and would move to formal disciplinary action. So if you refuse the PIP it goes straight to disciplinary.

In terms of it not being raised in good faith, HR should also always be involved in the PIP process to ensure it's being set for valid and genuine reasons. Speak to HR if they are not already involved.

You would likely enter a disciplinary process for poor performance which you have failed to agree to address in a PIP process. You wouldn't be under disciplinary action for refusing the PIP itself, just the outstanding poor performance. Outcomes of disciplinary can range from verbal warning, to written warning, to final written warning, to gross misconduct and instant dismissal.

agree with @MrsPinkCock