90 Day Trial Employment Periods - Employers' Experiences

Abstract

This report presents the results of Department of Labour research into employers’ experiences of trial employment periods. The research aimed to assess the extent to which employers knew about trial periods, the impacts of trial periods on employers, and employers’ perceptions of the costs of using trial periods. Data was collected through two employer surveys, and interviews with employers, employees and union officials. The research found that employer awareness of trial periods was high, although detailed knowledge was less common. The trial period provision was used by half of eligible employers, irrespective of their level of knowledge, with high levels of satisfaction. Employers faced no costs in implementing the provision, and there were indications of cost savings for employers from simplified dismissal processes.