90 day trial

From 1 March 2009, employers who have 19 or fewer staff will be able to employ new employees on a trial period of up to 90 days.

During this period the employer can dismiss the employee without the employee being able to take a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal. 

While a trial period sounds great, there are some things you need to remember:

• The trial period is voluntary
• Trial periods must be agreed to in writing in the employment agreement by both the employer and employee before work starts
• You need to consider and respond to any issues raised by the employee about a trial period
• Notice of termination must be given within the trial period, even if dismissal isn't until after the trial period ends
• Trail periods are only for new employees only
• All other aspects or the Employment Relations Act 2000 still apply