Probation period extended

Hi there,
I'm looking for some information as regards probation period.
Basically on the 31st august 2009 my friend was offered a job and in his contract it was specified that he had 6 months probation period. On the 4th March 2010 he had a performance review and he was told that his probation period is being extended till the 8th April 2010. As you can see the management never approached him within the 6 months of his probation BUT after the 6 months has elapsed.
My questions are, is this within the employment laws?.
Can the employer extend his probation period after the probation period written on his contract has passed?.

thanks and regards,

Irrespective of contracts, Employment laws treat an employee as if they are on probation for the first 12 months of their employment.

thanks I will pass on the message.

if the contract says 6 month prob period surely thats tight

In most jobs I had they told me a few days or weeks after the 6 month probation period that they decided to keep me on. It means nothing really. If they want rid they can fire your friend at any time in the next few months.

Regarding extending the probation period... the contract usually allows them to do this, and it might specify that the probation period can only be extended once.
some places specify sick leave or employer pension contributions only apply on completion of probation so that's possibly one of the reasons for a probation period to begin with. It also keeps employees on their toes.