Probation extended but exceeded every objective

[daimbar]

Line manager has decided to extend my 6 month probation for 3 months.

His reasoning is 'I was given an impossible task' as every other team member left within weeks of me starting and I was 'fire fighting' to cover off their work.

Despite this I have exceeded every objective I was given.

Should I challenge this with HR? Or just keep my head down and focus on impressing him in the next 3 months.

It's been a big blow to my confidence as I thought I was doing really well.

[daimbar]

Thank you so much for all your kind words and good luck Super with finding a place that deserves you. Sorry you had to go through this as well, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

I keep getting angry at the injustice but there is nothing I can do now apart from finding something better.

[daisychain01]

Superflyhigh really sorry about your situation

[daimbar]

Oh just seen your post Daisy!

I had no idea I had a leg to stand on while still on probation. I will speak to ACAS tomorrow. Thank you for the heads up.

[daisychain01]

Oh blimey sorry I missed that you haven't completed your 2 years oh bugger!!

[topcat2014]

Not got time to RTFT, but I would be asking for specifics rather than platitudes.

I would be prepared for harsh replies as well.

Didn't tick the boxes - well that's a bollocks phrase.
Too loud on the phone to customers - that's something you can work on.

Good luck.

I once had probation extended (tbh I didn't even know what it meant at the time), but the job was a huge step up (and an extra £10k) from my previous one - so every month was a bonus. That job turned out to form the basis for my career ever since - so don't give up hope.

[daisychain01]

Sorry I was jumping the gun there thats probably why he did it like that, he could get away with it bastard!

[UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea]

Daim I don't know if you have any official recourse but it's definitely worth a call to ACAS.

I would also ask the company you interviewed with for some feedback.

I would be tempted to write a private and confidential letter to the CEO outlining how you have been treated. It may not achieve anything for you but I would love your bastard manager to get his comeuppance.

[topcat2014]

Just seen the previous page(s)
Sorry to hear etc.
Head up OP - Fxx em, you will get something better!!

[daisychain01]

I agree unexpected, it really is shocking behaviour, that excuse for a manager has no integrity whatsoever.

[ExpatTrailingSpouse]

daimbar - just wanted to say i'm sorry you're in that situation. Also that my first thought when you didn't get the other job despite the 3rd interview is that your manager somehow managed to mess it up for you. Did you have to list him as a reference? is there some way you can follow up to find out if he did give you a bad reference?

otherwise, best of luck finding a new job.

[Ginmakesitallok]

So sorry to hear you've been let go - been lurking on the thread. Just one thing- some folk on here seem to forget that hr aren't there to stick up for employees and their rights. HR work for the company- they will support the company, they are not independent.

[pluck]

What. A. Twat. Bet he will wish in time that he had got a conciliation agreement out of you, barring you from discussing his underhand chicanery. Once you're safely in another job, I'd be warning the remainers about him!

[SuperFlyHigh]

Thanks daim and daisy.

I was lucky Daim in the sense that my ordeal only lasted 9 weeks really but I was the same as you, my critiques during the appraisal were "cooked up" apparently I'd been short on the phone to the wife of our most important client - I'd only remembered speaking to her on the phone once and I wasn't short, rest of our communication was via email which was fine, my ex-boss was also paranoid, last 2 people in same role, 1 had walked out, the other after having been there in another similar role for 2 years but did this job too, resigned with a very short notice period after 6-8 weeks! My ex-boss was also prone to hysterical outbursts and was undergoing psychiatric treatment (he told me this...). So like you Daim very similar to your boss, nasty character, quite used to game playing and getting rid of people (underhand tactics) combined with unfair appraisal targets! You probably won't be the first or last person that man has treated badly.

I don't think sadly OP you do have recourse against your manager (2 year rule) but I'd be tempted to write an email to the CEO as unexpected says, make use of his PA as your friend whilst you were there. Also try ACAS you never know. At the very least try to get a decent reference out of this man but they may just do the old "dates and times worked" one.

Sorry you've been treated badly Daim it really is a kick in the teeth isn't it? It certainly knocked me for six. Onwards and upwards.

[girlelephant]

Hope you're having a well deserved wine tonight. Get your head around everything & remember you're highly skilled.

Ask for feedback on last week's interview & begin the job hunt.

Best of luck to you & hope soon it seems like a blessing you're out of there. You handled today so well, be proud of that

[disappearingfish]

OP I hope things are going okay with you, and your job hunting is successful.

[fairweathercyclist]

So sorry OP. This is why you should have rights from day one, so arseholes like this DO have to follow due process.

But as others have said, please do not let it affect your confidence. He's the arsehole and I have my own adverse experience of pathetic HR individuals. I have no idea why they are so useless. They'd be supporting the company by standing up to useless managers but they don't.

Good luck with the job hunt.

[daimbar]

For those still following who like a happy ending... I got offered another job today! It's a lovely new company and feeling very positive and relieved.
I am so grateful for the support I received on this thread, it helped so much at a very dark time.
Thank you to everyone who gave advice and encouragement.

[ExpatTrailingSpouse]

well done! i hope it works out better for you this time.

[disappearingfish]

Hurray! Congratulations! So pleased for you. I hope you can put this horrible episode behind you now. Remember that you did nothing wrong and it's their loss.

I assume you didn't complain to your previous company about your treatment?

[daimbar]

Thanks both, no I didn't complain. It's all in the past now and there is plenty of gossip going around my old company about ex bosses behaviour. Am chuckling to myself at the thought of him hiring someone new without a clue how to handover the role to them and realising it's him with the problem.

[Tigermoth15]

So very, very sorry Daim. This is beyond awful. It is outrageous! They can be such sh*ts with absolutely zero integrity but I am thrilled you have another job offer. Well done you!

[GirlElephant]

Congratulations & best of luck in your new role.

Hope you are celebrating tonight!

[daimbar]

Thanks Girl - yes I am drunk!

[BigGreenOlives]

I remember your thread from February & will raise a glass to your new job & future success .

[NewView]

Congratulations ! Well done