What exactly is a "three months probation" period when starting a job?

Question

I started a job on May 8th at a Dr's office as a receptionist. On the day of my interview I was notified I would be on probation for 3 months and until then, they would determine whether I'd be hired on a full time basis or not depending on how well I did. At that time I was getting Unemployment and continued until I knew for sure they'd keep me. The position to me was "temporary" since I was on probation. After 1 1/2 month, they decided not to keep me because according to them I was not what they were looking for. Every two weeks I would report to unemployment my extra income and was always honest about everything. Now unemployment does not want to continue my benefits because they claimed I lied stating that I reported false information because a three months probation does not mean "temporary", that it's considered a full time position. I am confused, should I appeal it? I don't agree with unemployment at all...

Answer 1

The probation period for a job is the time they can fire you for any reason or even for no reason at all -- without their being any issues with employment contracts or whatever.

You can appeal the decision, but technically they are correct -- a probational employment is not a temporary position.

Answer 2

the probation period is often used to make clear that your employment may terminate at the end of or during the probation period. It is often used if the company requires 30 days notice to quit. It is still full time employment if you are working enough hours.

I would have asked the employer for more detail about why you were not suitable for the position. The probabtion period is normally when you learn the job, so if you had problems with anything you have a bit of time to learn it.

I find it odd that unemployment didnt question it when you reported a full time income

You can appeal the unemployment, just be honest that you were reporting everything as you understood it and never lied about anything. I would expect you to have to repay, the amount you received while working.

Answer 3

You can be fired without cause at any time in the first 3 months. Also, at the end of 3 months you both get to decide if you will keep working there.....it's an opportunity for you to end the arrangement as much as it is for them.
You can appeal the decision of the unemployment office, but you should not count on getting anything more from them. They might even demand that you re-pay some, or all, of the benefits you received.

Answer 4

Unemployment is right. Most jobs carry a three month probationary period, where either employer or employee can walk away from the arrangement for any reason, but the idea is that you prove yourself a solid employee and stay on. Full time refers to the average number of hours worked in a week, not the temporary/permanent status.

Answer 5

Well in my work experience, a 3 months probation was the amount of time I had to stay at a job before I could start getting health insurance and other benefits from my employer.

Answer 6

When you got hired and there is a probation period---it is still a full time job and you should have stopped collecting unemployment. They might come back to you and want their money back. You did falsefy information to get a stupid check. How foolish and dishonest...

Answer 7

By all means file the appeal, different states have different laws, but if you didn't make any false statements you may have been judged by a person with an IQ slightly higher than your goldfish.
What you need is to get a little higher up than that, make an appointment (take your files) and don't stop until you get satisfaction.

Answer 8

you bigger question should be where can you pick up some job skills and a good work ethic