Failing probation period and universal credit

[gabriellerose]

I'm nearing the end of my probation period at work and don't expect to pass it :( I've been making lots of mistakes through lack of training (working remotely) and struggling with the IT systems.
Just trying to know what to expect if I fail and have to make a UC claim?
I'm currently on WTC and CTC (working part time as I have a young child).
UC would be completely new to me, so I don't have a clue how straightforward it would be to claim.
What would be the steps to take and how long before the first payment?
I currently get about £120 per week and CTC and WTC together.
Would UC be generous enough to cover bills and mortgage? What kind of amount could I expect?

There is no specific part of Uc which covers mortgage. You would get a standard element of £409.89 assuming you are over 25 and a child element of £281.25 assuming your child was born before April 2017. If you get another job then you would be able to earn £512 a month without it affecting your Uc payments, but each pound above £512 would reduce your Uc by 63p.
It takes approx 5 weeks from when you make your online UC claim to getting first payment but you can take an advance ( like a loan ) to tide you over.
Please be aware that the standard element of Uc is currently £80 higher than normal due to covid. This increase is temporary and may end at the end of march, the government have not yet decided if it is staying.
Please also be aware that your tax credit's will end as soon as you make a new UC claim. WTC can run on for four weeks ( I think ) after your employment ends so that may give you some breathing space to look for a new job without having to switch to UC.

I'd be asking for an extension to probation recognising that you're not able to be in the workplace, shadow colleagues etc as you're all wfh. Don't just let them write off your post if you want to stay in the job. Start writing a list of what training you still need, what you now know needs to be done in a certain way, what you've learned etc.

Honestly...why not ask for a chat with your line manager and talk about it rather than leaving it out of your hands?

You can then say that you feel like you're not performing the way you would like to as you're finding getting up to speed with the system difficult having started remotely.

Ask them what extra training you can do or what help you can get as you want to improve...

I agree with the posters above. I don't think most employers would sack you, they would extend the probation period to give you a chance to improve. I was in your situation last year struggling with IT in a home working situation and they would have just extended my probation had I not resigned myself.

I'd definitely ask about having probation extended.

My 6 month probation has ended up being extended to over a year because of repeated lockdowns and work closure. In my case they have said they aren't unhappy with my work I just haven't actually worked there for 6 full months so they can't sign off on end of probation. Have you had previous reviews with your line manager and had support put in place for extra training?

@gabriellerose right now many probation periods are being extended. Really I'd suggest not giving up, being proactive and speaking to your line manager, coming up with a collaborative plan for how to address learning needs and be ready for a 3-6 month extension.

Things are hard right now. It's okay that you are finding this new role hard. I'm sure in time it will feel easier.

Good luck!