Probation period - what if nothing happens at the end?

[IconicKitty]

I started a new job earlier this year which was subject to a 6 month probation period. I am now in month 7 and I haven't formally been told if I passed or not.

I know passing probation doesn't mean much legally, but the only difference is the notice period (it goes up to a month both ways if you pass probation, as opposed to 1 week during probation). I would feel much better having a month, and knowing my employer has to give me a month if made redundant, for instance.

If I've never been told I've passed probation, does that mean I'm still on probation?

Ask them. I never formally passed my probation (employer a bit crap). When I handed my notice in they expected me to serve the full 3 months (!). If you have an HR person ask them; otherwise ask your manager. If there is anything they are concerned about it’s better to know and put a plan in place to address it, but chances are they are just being crap and disorganised so put your mind at rest.

Why don’t you just ask?

It means you passed probation. Have a read of your contract - it probably says 6m probation and if it’s past 6m you’re not in it anymore. This is probably how most people experience the end of probation Ie no one mentions it. You’ve been there 6m and no one is thinking about that as you’re just one of the team (in a good way) now. If you want to bring it up just say I’ve actually been here six months so I thought it good timing to ask for a check in on how I’m doing and if there’s anything I can improve. Don’t bother mentioning probation, a progress check in is a good idea for every new employee.

If I've never been told I've passed probation, does that mean I'm still on probation?

I think it's the other way around - you've passed your probation otherwise you would have been told to leave.

It's really strange that you've not asked! Just ask!
I got a letter when I passed my probation, so would assume that you've not yet, but all workplaces do things differently so who knows.

In your next 1:2:1 just say I assume as I’ve heard nothing to the contrary I’ve passed my probation. Make contemporaneous notes of the response and you have your evidence.

Am guessing it's an orgn where 1:1s don't happen if probation hasn't been acknowledged.
If it changes your notice terms then I think you should have had something in writing. But I guess you have passed, yes.
There should be a probation policy somewhere which should tell you what's meant to happen.

There’s case law that if they haven’t said anything then the period of probation is over. However that’s subject to anything written in your contract

I am thinking back through thirty years and I don’t think I have ever been informed that I have passed probation. If the time period is up and you are still there, you can assume you have passed probation.