People Management

⏱ 6 min

New Employee Is Underperforming. Can I Let Them Go Immediately?

New employee who is not meeting expectations. What you can do during the trial period. Outside it. How to handle the situation without legal mistakes.

Image description

A new employee who is underperforming. What can you do? The answer depends on whether you are still in the trial period.

During the trial period

During the trial period, either party can terminate without justification or compensation, subject to notice periods. Trial period durations: 90 days for most roles; 180 days for senior roles; 240 days for management.

Outside the trial period

After the trial period, dismissal requires a formal disciplinary process. Poor performance alone is not sufficient. Document issues, issue formal warnings and follow the legal process.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Image description
logotipo-picco-by-damastor

Address

Rua Padre José Joaquim Martins, 30
4830-440, Santo Emilião, Póvoa de Lanhoso, Braga
Portugal

Contactos

(351) 923 321 651
info@damastor.com

Sales & Installation Hours

Monday to Friday → 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Saturday → 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Sundays and Holidays → Closed


© 2026 Todos os direitos da Picco reservados a Damastor