Extended probation

[daisyjoy990]

Just looking for a bit of advice! I think I am just overthinking it and sorry for it being so long

Started a new job July 2019 and was on 6 months probation, due to end January 2020. In December 2019 I was signed off by my GP for 3 weeks due to low mood and anxiety (delayed bereavement and mental health). After the 3 weeks were over I came down with a really bad flu which resulted in me having an asthma attack so was off for a further 2 weeks to recover. I went back to work when my probation was about to end and they said they would extend it by another 3 months which I totally appreciated and accepted. At the time my workplace were really understanding about it. Said they were there for me if I needed them and not to worry about anything.

Last week I suffered a head injury and was told By my local emergency treatment centre I had some mild concussion and to rest, because I was worried about my probation I went in to work. I told my manager and supervisor what had happened and That I come in because of my probation, I was told not to worry about it and that if I needed to go home then to go but I only did a 5 hour shift so made it till the end. it ended up affecting me really badly, and I went away with my head pounding, feeling sick, dizziness even more than it originally was. The day after was my day off and I spoke to my my GP as I was feeling even worse and was worried but she said it was normal and I really just needed to rest so I took the following day off work (Friday). I went back Monday and everything was fine and then today I received a letter from our HR advisor asking me to go for a extended probationary review meeting next week and it states I can bring a colleague with me if need be. I've never had this before and just wondering if it's anything I need to worry about? My extension isn't due to end till the end of April but it's the 'you can bring a colleague' that's making me wonder its going to be something bad rather than a your probation period is over type thing. It could just be a review like it states to see how things are going but receiving it days after I had a sick day is making me worry. I know I'm probably overthinking it and there's not much I can do till the meeting but just hoping someone has been through similar

Thank you in advance

Wow, that's some catalogue of misfortune, both for you and the employer.

It's unfortunate but it does sound like they're planning to end the employment before the end of the extended probation period, which they have the right to do if they decide it's clear it won't be successful.

Its it that they don't believe you but that sometimes it's just all too much.

You should have the opportunity to put your case too though.

You’ve been unlucky but that’s a lot of time off work in a short period, even for an established employee
Hopefully they will be understanding but unfortunately you could well be dismissed

Honestly it's not looking good. I would assume they are telling you that they are not keeping you on and would looking for something else asap.

As a manager, I always thought that if a company were getting rid of you then they would have to state that in the letter so you know what it will be about. It’s a bit naughty they haven’t given you any sort of indication as to what it is about. If I were you I’d prepare for the worst, maybe take some evidence to back up your sick time, if you haven’t already and just have the meeting and speak to them about things and hopefully they will understand. If your probation isn’t due to end for another month they may lay down some rules and say if you’re sick in the next month they’ll have to let you go. Either way good luck!