Agencies and probation periods.

[SistersOfPercy]

Forgive me if my detail is sparse, I'm asking on behalf of DS (21) and DH has concerns.

DS currently works for company A. He's worked there since he was 16 in a part time role whilst he went through Uni. One of DS's colleagues left to join company B, a similar industry, about 18 months ago. Colleague was always impressed with DS and called him yesterday to tell him about a position in company B, working directly underneath former colleague.

He was told to come in for a chat on Thursday but that essentially it was just a formality and he'd be offered the job, full time Monday - Friday and there was lots more room for DS to progress within Company B.

Now, the worry.
Company B wants DS to start work and has said DS will need to work a 3-month probation period through an agency because they don't have a personnel team. After this he will be set on within the company itself.
Having never worked for an agency or any firm that operates this way my DH is somewhat concerned that this could be an easy way to get summer staff and then sell them down the river in 3 months time.

Is this usual? I'm concerned that DS could find himself unemployed at the end of the 3 months (which brings a whole new set of concerns about paying his rent, bills etc)
Has anyone any experience of this?

Hmm, not usual IME. It could be that its easier to get staff past procurement if they are taken on temp initially. Could be they do their recruitment on a temp to perm basis.

In all honesty though, having worked on both sides, if they 100% had sign off for the role they would take on perm with 3-6 month probation. Probation means nothing though, they can get rid if the person isn't suitable within 2 years of starting without reaosn so it does seem a bit off to do it this way.

I'd personally be a bit wary.

Alarm bells - what do you mean by they don't have a personnel team?

I'm only going on what DS told me last night over the phone, I need to chat to him later properly to clarify a few points.

His understanding is that particular office has no personnel team. Company B is an international company with offices all over the world. I assume (though could be wrong) that personnel is dealt with in another branch.
His ex colleague is a decent bloke by all accounts and doubt he'd set DS up for a fall but still, we are understandably a little wary.

He did say something similar about recruiting on a temp to perm basis actually. I guess in any new job he takes the risk of being let go within the 2 years.
We are just uncomfortable with it at present, however, he's 21 and in the end I suppose he'll do what he does.

He has no more job security working directly for them than he does if he works through an agency. The only difference it will make is in the future, his continuous service will be 3 months shorter.

If they want to "sell summer staff down the river" they'll do it anyway.

I think whist it pays to be wary DH is perhaps a little too cautious with the summer job thinking. It's a big, established company who won't see any increase in turnover in summer I wouldn't have thought, it's not a seasonal type business.

He has no more job security working directly for them than he does if he works through an agency. The only difference it will make is in the future, his continuous service will be 3 months shorter.

Thats what I was looking for really. Thank you. Makes sense.

I think best bet is for him to go for the chat and see what comes of it. It is more money which will no doubt tempt him and if there genuinely is more opportunity to progress it might be worth him taking a risk.