Shohi

Does anyone know if the probationary period of a UAE contract benefits the employee as well as the employer???

Shohi

For a teacher that is.

Meow

Either side may terminate the employment, without giving an explanation, during the probationary period.

If the employer terminates they are liable for repatriation costs (if relevant) but if the employee leaves that are liable for their own costs.

Is that what you want to know?

Shohi

Thank you Meow, that is great. Might pm you for more info if thats ok.

Patsy Stoned

Cold feet already darling??

Millhouse

Worried about the 2 year pay back of the moving costs...

Don't worry about it - assuming you hate it and leave within 2 years you only have to pay it back if you want to say in the UAE.

If you are going back home never to return then you write them a very short note telling them where to put their costs - post it to them as you board the plane.

Shohi

But I would return as have friends etc over there. or do you mean return to the school?

jackthehat

Some organisations will tell you that the Probationary Period has to be Six Months, but this is not what the Law says!

Article 37
A worker may be employed on probation for a period not exceeding six months, during which the employer without notice or severance pay may terminate his services. A worker shall not be placed on probation more than once with the same employer. Where a worker successfully completes the period of probation and continues in employment, the said period shall be calculated as part of his period of service.

I try to keep Probation Periods to three months or less. If you cannot assess someone's performance during that time; you are not doing your job. Sometimes, bad decisions are made on both sides, and it is best to get them over and done with. Dragging things out to six months benefits no one.

Answer: Weighted in favour of the Employer. In the present climate, a lot of the 'Bargain Basement Employers' recruit someone for six months, dismiss them, and then recruit another. There is no Gratuity Liability on the part of the Employer, and they will probably have done nothing with the Visa Processing. If I see 'Six Months Probation' Alarm Bells start to ring!

The same applies to the 'Discounting of Salaries' by giving 'Allowances.' Some organisations prefer to have a 'Revolving Door' when it comes to Recruitment and Retention. However, I am firmly on the other side of the fence!

Millhouse

I tend to agree with you - if you don't know after three months you will never know.

I'm on a year...(!), which through inefficiency is being pushed out to 14months... the funny thing is it's only a 2 year contract.

Bahtatboy

And what if the employee quits of his own volition during the probationary period: can the employer claim its costs from the employee, or impose a penalty? And if the employer were to put those things in the employment contract would they be enforceable?

auzdafluff

Also, from what I understand, it's also against the law to be given paid holiday during your first six months of employment. Stupid law.

Meow

This all depends on what is written in the contract and agreed by both parties. If in the contract it is enforceable.

It might help if people actualy read the contracts before signing them though...

Meow

No it isn't against the law. It's up to the employer.