Trial period - can it be extended?

I was made redundant in December but offered a new role after my notice period ended in March this year. I was given a three month trial period. The trial period was due to end earlier this week. My boss called me in and said they wanted to extend it by another three months as I had not 'had the opportunity to develop the skills and experience required for the role'. Things have been very busy and so I have not managed to do everything I wanted to. However, I have only had two '1:1' meetings with my boss during this time, both times I asked if I was doing everything he wanted me to and he said I was doing fine. Are they allowed to extend this period, as I believe the law allows only for a 4 week trial period? I am a finance manager.

Three months is a very long trial period in the first place. The idea is to see whether the individual is suitable for the job and vice versa. Trial periods can be extended with written agreement if training is required.

I would suggest you write saying that, stating that three months is a longer trial period than usual anyway, and although you understand that trial periods can be extended if training is required, you have not yet had any indication that you require training or details of what training will be provided.

Is the job very different from the job you were previously doing then?

The job is in a different area of finance. One element of the job is quite different, which involves providing financial support and advice to the business.

In the meeting with my manager he said I needed to lead commercial business discussions more, and be more visible in the business unit. There was no reference to training. It is more that he wanted me to improve on what I have currently done.

They have given me a letter saying it was by mutual agreement that I had not had the chance to demonstrate my skills, and therefore am yet to meet the requirements of the role. I did agree that I had been too busy to cover all areas but I do not necessarily agree that a further 3 month extension is fair.