Member

The Government intend to consult on the probation period. They say they have nine months in mind and talk about a light-touch process during that period. However, the Bill expressly limits the reasons for dismissal that can be used during the initial period to the reasons that I have already outlined: capability or qualification, conduct or some other substantial reason relating to the employee. That prejudges the consultation process, and in no way is that a light-touch process. A probation period that does not allow the employment to be terminated simply because it is not working out or it is not a fit is not really a probationary period.