Trial periods work. Here's the evidence

Trial periods work. Here's the evidence

EMA is pleased to respond to the challenge issued this morning by the President of the Council of Trade Unions, Helen Kelly, by providing evidence that trial periods of employment work.

"Under the 90 day probationary employment law people actually got jobs they otherwise would not have got," says David Lowe, Employment Services Manager for EMA.

"Employers themselves will have many more examples of this law helping people find jobs.

"Eighteen months ago unions claimed the sky was going to fall in when the trial periods were first introduced.

"The opposite happened - the horizon for job seekers widened.

"The trial employment periods are working.

"Here are some direct quotes from employers who have used the trial period law:

1) 'I am a manager of a childcare centre who employs nine staff. We have had previous ladies take on this role but with little success, both for themselves and us. We were hesitant and cautious when employing someone to fill this role but have recently employed a young lady. As it turns out everything is going extremely well and the employee is very happy, as are we.'

2) 'We have employed a young person who was advertising for an apprenticeship in an engineering company. So far he is doing very well and we are planning at this stage to offer him a full apprenticeship at the end of his 90-day trial period.'

3) 'We have hired a staff member on a trial period and are very happy with the relaxed attitude about 90-day trial period. Prior to this being introduced we were reluctant to take anyone on. Times are tough with imports taking away most of our work. However, the position offered was one that required a specialist machinist. Here's hoping all goes ok and thanks for the help offered recently.'

4) 'The applicant was put through a fairly demanding two hour interview with some basic math and computer tests - just to check they can do what they say they can under pressure and that the results are as we want. The applicant was informed that we would like her to go through the 90 day trial period. She agreed to the trial and that it was no problem. She said she expected it and had confidence in herself to succeed.'

5) 'We are delighted with the new legislation as it has meant that we have been able to employ an additional two fabrication engineers full time without having to take the chance and run the bureaucratic gauntlet if we made the wrong decision. This change in the regulations gives us a fair chance at candidate selection without the risk of a lengthy and expensive litigation process should we employ an unsuitable person in error. In my 25 years in business it has occurred to me that making it successfully through a 30 minute interview is relatively easy for a candidate but keeping a facade up for three months is a different ball game.'

ENDS

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