Media type · An initial period with reduced notice and easier termination.
Probation period
An initial employment period with shorter notice and easier termination.
Key facts
| What it is | An initial period with reduced notice and easier termination. |
|---|---|
| Who sets or charges it | Employment law sets limits; the contract sets the length and terms within them. |
| Check before accepting | Length, notice, benefit eligibility and the effect on the permit and relocation clawback. |
Probation changes the cost of leaving
A short notice period during probation cuts both ways: the employer can end the role quickly, and you can leave quickly. That flexibility matters when relocation support carries a repayment clause, because leaving early may trigger repayment even if the notice itself is short.
Check whether probation affects pay, bonus eligibility, pension enrolment or health cover. Some benefits start only after probation, which changes the first-year value of the offer. Confirm the probation length in writing and whether it can be extended.
Frequently asked questions
Is probation pay lower?
Sometimes, but not universally. Check the contract and the applicable law rather than assuming a reduction.
Can probation be extended?
Depends on the contract and the destination rules. Ask whether extension is permitted and for how long.