The situation
An employee appointed to a client-facing role was not meeting expectations at the end of their three-month probation period.
Why it was difficult
Owners often assume probation means no risk. It does not. A poorly handled probation exit can still lead to claims, particularly if discrimination is alleged.
What Samantha did
- Confirmed the concerns were genuine, evidenced and fairly assessed
- Followed a clear probation process rather than an abrupt end
- Communicated honestly with the employee throughout
- Documented the decision properly
The outcome
Employment ended fairly during probation, correctly handled, with no challenge raised.
Fair exit during probation. No challenge.
What this means for you
Probation is not a free pass. A short, fair process is all it takes to end things cleanly and safely.
Related support
Start with a Situation Check →Anonymised. Sector, names and identifying details have been removed or changed. Outcomes reflect the specific circumstances of each case and are not a guarantee of any particular result.