A quick question. I've just started a new job and been given a contract to sign (haven't signed it so far) the thing that is worrying me is that during the probation period they say that they will give no notice if they are letting you go, ok some may say BUT after the probation period the notice period is still the same, i.e. no notice at all.

Is this legal?

What is the norm for Australia?

Thanks for your help.

M

What is your notice period to them, I would want them to be the same?
Is this a temporary or permy job? I assume permy due to the probation period, if it is permy I guess they will need a very good excuse to get rid of you.

If you are on no notice to them too, then its easy to walk away when something else comes up.

Not sure of the legalities though.

Mine have all been a weeks notice on either side during the probationary period then 4 weeks (again either way) after.

It's a permanent job. They've had quite a turnover of staff (in my position) over the last year, 8 in total. Makes me feel a bit nervous.

M

Ask them if they have made a mistake. It's your call, and I don't know your position, but if you are not comfortable, ask them about it before you start. If you don't get an answer that makes you feel more comfortable, tell them to shove it.

What line of work is it?

I've had roles where they have tried to have 1 weeks notice to me, and I have 4 to them. I said that was not good enough, and I didn't care which they chose as long as it was the same either way.

Different States may have different rules:

QLD states:

Employees must be given proper notice before they are dismissed (except in cases of serious misconduct or where payment in lieu of notice is given to the employee).

The period of notice depends on how long an employee has been employed.

Period of continuous service : Notice Period
1 year or less : 1 week
More than 1 year but not more than 3 : 2 weeks
etc...

Instead of having an employee work the notice period, the employer can choose to pay wages in lieu of notice. To do this the employer must pay the employee the amount of wages they could have expected to earn had they continued to work during the notice period.