A Critique of Probationary Employment Periods
Year: 2006
Type: article
Abstract: In November, 2006, a private member's bill to introduce a 90 day probationary employment period, which would have allowed employers to dismiss employees for any or no reason and without having to follow a disciplinary procedure, was defeated. A future National government might still introduce probationary employment; other countries have it already. Such reforms represent an important component of a broader neo-liberal agenda to deregulate the labour market. We therefore critically examine arguments made in support of probationary employment, specifically focusing on the New Zealand Bill, and also more generally discuss the potential adverse consequences of probationary employment. In particular, we question whether probationary employment would alleviate the unemployment of so-called high-risk, high unemployment groups. We also maintain that probationary employment would have all kinds of adverse repercussions for employees and even employers. We conclude by exploring alternative, more active mechanisms for enhancing employment within different areas of the New Zealand economy.
Authors: Mark Harcourt, Geoffrey Wood
Language: English
Subfield: Industrial relations
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W264042068