A Probationary Period, which needs to be identified as being different to a Trial Period, is one which can allow an employer to oversee a new employee and check whether the employee can demonstrate they have the skills to perform the job. A Probationary Period must be written into the formal contract, otherwise it will not be enforceable. The employer and employee must agree in writing as to what the duration of the Probationary Period is. As an employer, if you are wanting to include such a period in an employment agreement, you should take care to make sure that a Probationary Period is a viable option based on making it for a short time frame at the start of the employment relationship and one where the job only requires a few number of tasks to be performed.