Official form guide
Form unsuccessful probation letter template: Unsuccessful probation letter template
The Unsuccessful Probation Letter Template is a document provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman to help employers formally notify employees that they have not successfully completed their probation period. This template can be used when an employer decides not to continue the employment relationship after the probation period ends.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form unsuccessful probation letter template - Unsuccessful probation letter template
The Unsuccessful Probation Letter Template is a document provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman to help employers formally notify employees that they have not successfully completed their probation period. This template can be used when an employer decides not to continue the employment relationship after the probation period ends.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is providing unclear or insufficient reasons for the termination decision.
- 2Vague or unclear reasons for termination
- 3Missing required information about final pay
- 4Not providing sufficient notice period
- 5Using discriminatory language or criteria
Plain English
This is a ready-to-use letter template that helps employers tell an employee they're not keeping them on after their probation period. It's not a legal requirement but follows best practices for ending employment during probation fairly and professionally.
Submission Date
- Filing date: This letter should be provided to the employee as soon as the decision is made, ideally at the end of the probation period or shortly after.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use when ending employment during the probation period
- Use when you've made a formal decision not to continue employment
- Use when you need to provide written notice of termination
- Use when you want to ensure clear communication with the employee
- Use as part of fair employment practices during probation
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Termination after probation period
Different legal requirements apply
✓ Check if employee is beyond probation period
Dismissal for misconduct
Different process and rights apply
✓ Confirm if misconduct occurred during probation
Redundancy situation
Different entitlements apply
✓ Verify if position is being genuinely made redundant
End of fixed-term contract
Different contractual terms apply
✓ Check if contract specifies renewal terms
Deadline or filing window
There's no formal deadline for providing this letter, but it should be given as soon as the decision is made, typically at the end of or shortly after the probation period.
Before you submit
- 1Confirm employee details are accurate
- 2Verify the probation period has ended
- 3Ensure reasons for termination are clear and specific
- 4Check that notice period meets legal minimum requirements
- 5Confirm final pay details are correct
- 6Ensure letter is signed and dated
- 7Keep a copy for your records
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest template from Fair Work Ombudsman website
- 2Fill in employee personal details and position information
- 3Add specific reasons for unsuccessful probation
- 4Include details about final working day and pay
- 5Review for clarity and completeness
- 6Deliver letter to employee
- 7Keep a copy for your records
Known limitations
- 1This template doesn't replace legal advice for complex situations
- 2It doesn't apply to employees covered by enterprise agreements with different terms
- 3May need modification for award-covered employees with specific probation requirements
- 4Doesn't cover situations involving workplace misconduct
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->This is a current template provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman, regularly updated to reflect best practices in employment communication.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Review for any recent updates to probation period requirements
- Check that language aligns with current Fair Work guidelines
- Ensure references to modern awards are up to date
- Verify notice period requirements haven't changed
- Confirm superannuation payment details are current
Quick Facts
Sources
- SRCTemplate available from Fair Work Ombudsman website
- SRCProbation period requirements governed by Fair Work Act
- SRCMinimum notice periods specified in National Employment Standards
- SRCFinal pay obligations outlined in Fair Work guidelines
- SRCSuperannuation requirements set by ATO
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific template version number
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact wording of all template sections
Common confusion points
Whether probation periods require formal documentation
What constitutes fair reasons for ending probation
How much notice needs to be given
Whether the employee has any appeal rights
If superannuation needs to be paid for the full period
Whether the letter needs to be provided in writing
What to include in final pay calculations
Source transparency
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