So my employer (big firm type) has a referral scheme that they heavily promote, signs everywhere, everyones lockscreen, regular emails.
I gave a few referrals a few months back but its still within the 6 month probation so I haven't gotten payout yet.
But another friend is leaving the company after referring someone, they stayed the full 6 months, met all conditions, both were still employed but HR said 'sorry the transfer will take a few months' months pass and nope, she hands in her notice and they admit she will never get the payout.
So at first im all richeously mad, like if they say 'if you do this I will pay you x' and you have it in writing, surely they will have to do it?
But yeah, looking at legality all bonuses, including referral, are 'discretionary' so much like a holiday bonus, if they don't feel like it, they just dont have to. No matter if you specifically did something to earn it or not.
I'm starting to wonder if this is just policy? they offer payouts to everyone pretty freely but never actually give it to anyone. It would explain the high turnover, because whatever faith I had in that company (like i thought they would at least not in writing refuse to pay people, because big firm and lawyerability) is gone.
I was planning to stick around until I got payout for my referrals but uh, nope. Not dealing with this bullshit.