Probation periods provide an opportunity for employers to help integrate employees into the workplace. They can help employers assess an individual and their suitability within a business. Use this probation period letter to provide an employee with written confirmation that their probation period has ended. This probation letter can also be used to inform the employee of the outcome of their probation period.
Overview of the Probation letter
When should I use a probation letter?
Use this probation letter
- to confirm that an employees probation period has come to an end
- to inform the employee of the outcome of their probation period, either when:
- they have completed their probation period successfully
- they have completed their probation period unsuccessfully, or
- the employees probation period is to be extended
- only for employees based in England, Wales or Scotland
What's included in a probation letter?
This Probation end letter covers
- confirmation that the employees probation period has ended
- the outcome of the employees probation period
What's a probation letter?
A probation letter is a letter by which an employer informs an employee that their probation period has ended and tells them what the outcome of the probation is.
Do I need a probation letter?
Once the performance review has been held and a decision has been made as to whether the employee shall be retained or not, it's important to give written confirmation of it to the employee. Issuing a probation letter ensures you keep employees informed about the outcome of their work probation, and shows you deal with their integration within the company carefully.
How long should a probationary period be?
Probationary periods generally last for three months, although they can be shorter - and they can also be extended. Such periods are normally included as a clause in the main employment contract.
What can the outcomes of a probationary period be?
The probation letter can inform the employee that they:
- have passed their probationary period successfully;
- will have their probationary period extended; or
- have not passed their probationary period successfully.
When should the probation letter be sent?
The probation letter should be sent at the latest on the last day of the probation period.
Further advice
Ask a Lawyer for:
- Employees based outside England, Wales or Scotland
This probation end letter is governed by the law of England and Wales or the law of Scotland.