Have you or are you starting a new job? Exciting times, specially if its the dream job you've always had hoped for! Dreading the probation period? 3, 6 months probation? Don't worry, time flies and before you know it, you are in the clear and the position is yours to keep!... Wrong!!...

Did you know probation at the moment means nothing?! If you thought the probation period was the only time your new employer could cease your employment contract without following standard dismissal procedures, then you are very well mistaken!

At the moment, any UK employer can cease your employment, from one day to another without following dismissal procedures, at any time during your first 2 years in the company! This is exactly what happened to me!

Having passed my 3 months probation, I thought only long term illness or even death itself would see me out of my dream job but all it took was a "change of mind" from the person who employed me! Performance, dedication and effort were never an issue but in the end, a poor made up excuse was all it took for my exit to happen.

The aim of this petition is to change and give meaning back to "probation period" as this should be the time for employers to assess and evaluate an employee's ability and act accordingly. If after the company's set probation period ends, an employer decides to part ways, then a procedure should be acted on where they have to declare what is wrong, how to improve, assist and support the employee and evaluate once again after agreement date. Only then, if there hasn't been any signs of improvement or effort from the employee, the employer should then be at right to cease employment contract and look to recruit once again. In case of an unfair dismissal, you the employee should have the right to appeal against the decision.

By no means this is to excuse yourself to "take it easy" after you pass your probation! If you feel that way, you shouldn't be working for the company in the first place. The job isn't right for you. This is to protect you from being let go without a viable reason. To avoid you being replaced by your employers best friend for example!

This procedure already exists but only after 2 years of employment. This means for the first 2 years of employment, you could lose your job at any time, and you can't even turn to an unfair dismissal as the tribunal only accepts cases after 2 years!

You can't upgrade or buy a car, apply for loans or mortgages or even splash out on purchases because at any point you could find yourself out of a job!

I don't think this is fair nor right! Employers should be able to assess your capabilities, character and personality for the role during the probation period.

If you feel the same way, sign the petition and help make a change!

Thank you