Probation periodWhat it means, in plain English

A probation period is an initial phase of employment, typically three to six months, during which performance is assessed and notice periods are often shorter. Probation is contractual rather than statutory, so it does not remove employment rights that apply from day one, such as minimum wage, paid leave and discrimination protection. Its significance is changing as UK reforms phase out the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal, with a statutory probation-style initial period expected to govern how easily new hires can be dismissed.