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Probation extension confirmation letter template

£ 15

Our Probation Extension Confirmation Letter Template addresses extended probation, ensuring clarity and communication for both employer and employee.

If you wish to extend the probationary period of an employee, issue this model probation extension letter template to them.

Reading time
How long to understand and prepare this letter?
10 mins
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What is a Probation extension confirmation letter?

A probationary period may be extended for various reasons, such as:

  1. Performance issues: The employer may extend the probationary period if the employee has not met the expected performance standards during the initial probationary period. This gives the employee more time to improve their performance and meet the required standards.
  2. Behavioural issues: The employee's behaviour may be a cause for concern, such as consistently failing to follow company policies or exhibiting inappropriate behaviour in the workplace. An extension can be granted to allow the employee time to improve their behaviour and demonstrate a commitment to the company's values.
  3. Training: In some cases, the employee may require additional training to perform their job effectively. An extension can be granted to allow the employee to complete the required training and demonstrate that they have acquired the necessary skills to perform their job.
  4. Illness or absence: If the employee has been absent from work due to illness or other reasons during their initial probationary period, an extension can be granted to allow them more time to demonstrate their skills and meet the required standards.
  5. Change in role or responsibilities: If the employee's role or responsibilities have changed during their probationary period, an extension can be granted to allow them time to adjust to their new role or responsibilities and demonstrate their ability to perform in the new role.

It is important to note that a probationary period extension is not a disciplinary action and does not necessarily mean that the employee's employment is in jeopardy. It is an opportunity for the employee to demonstrate their skills and commitment to the organisation.

Best practice timescale for this to be issued
When should this letter be issued?
As soon as possible after a decision is made
Issued by who, to whom
Who should issue this letter, and to whom?
The Employer (you) to the Employee
Applicable legal jurisdictions
In which jurisdictions can this letter be used?
Great Britain & NI (United Kingdom), Worldwide

What legislation or best practices underpin this template / should I be aware of?

United Kingdom

In the UK, completing a probationary period does not have any legal effect in and of itself. The probationary period is a contractual agreement between the employer and employee, and its purpose is to allow both parties to assess whether the employee is suitable for the role.

There are several employment laws and regulations to consider. Some of the key employment laws to consider include:

  1. The Employment Rights Act 1996: This law sets out the requirement for employers to provide employees with written reasons for any dismissal, including dismissal during a probationary period. If an employee's probationary period is not being extended or they are being dismissed following unsuccessful completion of their probation, the employer must ensure that they provide written reasons for their decision.
  2. The ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures: This code sets out best practice for handling disciplinary and grievance procedures in the workplace. Employers should ensure that they follow the code's guidance when issuing the letter, including providing clear and concise information about the reasons for the probation extension and the duration of the extension.
  3. The employee's contract: Employers should ensure that the terms of the employee's contract are reflected in the letter, including any agreed probationary period and any relevant terms and conditions of employment.
  4. The Data Protection Act 2018: This law sets out the requirements for processing personal data, including employee data. Employers should ensure that they are complying with data protection requirements when issuing the letter and that they obtain the employee's consent to process their personal data.

It is important for employers to ensure that the probation extension confirmation letter is accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with all relevant employment laws and regulations. The letter should be written in clear and understandable language and should be provided to the employee in a format that is accessible to them. Employers should ensure that the employee has had the opportunity to read and understand the letter and that they have been given the opportunity to ask any questions or raise any concerns. Employers should also provide the employee with clear and specific guidance on what they need to do in order to successfully complete their probationary period and what will happen if they fail to do so.


Other territories

Refer to your local employment legislation / labor laws to support the execution of the template. Review the wording for local accuracy.

Letter template

Probation extension confirmation [Delete this line]


[Company name]

[Sender address]

 

[date]

[Recipient name]

[Recipient address]

 

Dear [Recipient first name],

 

Probation extension

I am writing to you further to our meeting held on [date] in connection with your probationary period.

As you are aware, during the course of your probationary period it was necessary for [name of individual] to speak to you on [date] in connection with your [performance/conduct], which was viewed by the organisation as unsatisfactory. You were subsequently given a chance to improve during the remainder of your probationary period [and were given further [coaching/training] ]. Despite this support, you have still not yet met the standards that the organisation requires for employees of your position. Your [performance/conduct] has fallen short of the required standards in the following ways [define details of how and why performance/conduct has fallen short of the required standards].

For these reasons, you were invited to a meeting on [date] to discuss the problem of your continuing unsatisfactory [performance/conduct] and my proposal to extend your probationary period.

Following that meeting, I have decided that your probationary period will be extended by [number] [weeks/months] until [date].

You agreed at the meeting that you would strive to improve your [performance/conduct]. The organisation will continue to monitor your [performance/conduct] and your progress will be formally reviewed at the end of the extended probationary period. You will be expected to meet the following objectives [define improvement required], and you will be provided with the following training to assist you to meet these objectives [describe any training, coaching and/or any other development activities that will take place during the period of extension].

If you fail to make sufficient progress either during or by the end of your extended probationary period, this is likely to result in your dismissal. Please be aware that the organisation may not be prepared to extend your probationary period again.

We understand that this extension may come as a disappointment, but please note that it is not uncommon, and we have full faith that you will meet the required standards by the end of the extension period. We remain committed to supporting you in your role, and we trust that you will continue to work hard and show dedication in meeting our expectations.

Please do not hesitate to contact your line manager or the HR team if you have any questions or concerns about the extension. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to working with you during the extension period.

You have the right of appeal against this decision. Your appeal should be directed to [Name | the HR Department | HR Services] within [number] days of receiving this letter. It should set out in full the reason(s) for your appeal.

 

Yours [faithfully | sincerely],

 

 

[Sender name]

[Sender job title]

[Sender telephone]
[Sender email]

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What communication / process sequence is this part of?

Previous step
Forms
Probation review form template

Our Probation Review Form Template streamlines evaluation, ensuring consistent and objective assessments during the probationary period.

This step
Probation extension confirmation letter template
Next step
Letters
Probation review meeting invitation letter template

Our Probation Review Meeting Invitation Letter Template schedules structured discussions, ensuring clarity and preparation for employee evaluations.

Who are some Companies who utilise our Probation extension confirmation letter template?
  
Why choose our Probation extension confirmation letter template?
  • It's easily editable and implementable, saving you time and money
  • It's designed by CIPD accedited Chartered HR practitioners with operational experience in this area
  • You will maintain compliance with ACAS guidelines, legislation, and industry best practices
What other advantages does buying from hrdocbox.co.uk offer?
  • Email notifications for any updates made to this template or its accompanying materials
  • 12 months of unrestricted access without any additional costs (any update in that period is free to you)
  • Complimentary HR advice and support via email for 28 days upon purchase
  • A 25% discount on all library, toolkit, and template purchases/renewals
Probation extension confirmation letter template
probation extension confirmation letter template

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