Notice period and probation

Chalkybot

Two part question.

If you are never officially told you passed probation and never signed anything to say so, have you technically passed probation for the purpose of notice.

My notice period is 2 calender months in a job I've been in 8 months - I wanted to leave 2 weeks early bit they won't let me. If I do the 7 weeks and leave realistically what are they likely to do. Note this is not a high up position and others on my team with older contracts have a 1 month notice period.

skallywag

As soon as the probation period has passed, then it is over. You do not necessarily need to be told explicitly, nor does anything need to be signed.

E.g. if my probation period is 3 months, and I begin work April 1st, then on July 1st the probation period is over, and I have 'passed' unless I have been told something to the contrary before that.

Your employer will almost certainly not pursue you for not honouring your notice period. The only blowback will be that you will not get anyone there to act as a referee in the future, and your reputation within the industry may suffer if word gets about.

The fact that others are on a one month notice period is moot to be honest. You agreed to give two months when you signed the contract, and unless there are mitigating circumstances then you should honour that.