Q. I have an employee on a six-month probationary period. Their performance is poor. Can I get rid of them immediately, before the end of the probation period?

A. It is common practice to require a new employee successfully to complete a probationary period before they are confirmed in a permanent role.

The details of the probationary period should be set out in the contract of employment, including the necessary notice period to be given to terminate the employment.

Unless the contract provides otherwise it will be the statutory minimum of one week’s notice in this case.

All probationers should be told by the organisation what is expected of them and what support they will be given.