Probation
An initial period of employment during which suitability for the role is assessed.
A probationary period is an initial phase of employment, commonly three to six months, during which the employer assesses whether the new hire is suited to the role and the employee decides whether the job is right for them. It typically involves closer review and may allow shorter notice.
In Ireland, an EU-driven rule caps probationary periods at a maximum of six months in most cases, and importantly protections such as the right to a fair procedure apply even during probation. Employers can no longer treat probation as a period free of obligations.
Clear objectives, regular feedback and a structured end-of-probation review make the period meaningful. Decisions to confirm, extend or end employment should be well documented and fair to withstand challenge.
