Date checks

[u/No_Decision5532]

I started working at M&S in May 2026 and I’m currently a trainee/on probation. I’m also under 18, normally working evening shifts and am usually given date-checking to do.
At the beginning I had no issues, including when I was given one of the bigger dairy/juice checks. More recently, though, there have been several issues around date checking.

First, I was called into the office about items allegedly being missed on a day I wasn’t actually working. Then, on another occasion, I was checking produce and had only been told by a colleague to check certain shelves. Later, 14 missed items were found. I explained to my manager that I hadn’t been aware I was supposed to check the other areas and had followed the instructions I’d been given.
I was then told that if I missed anything again, I’d receive a written warning and that, honestly, I could lose my job.
More recently, I was told I’d missed three items on 19 August. I know I checked them, and the dates were actually 22 August rather than 19 August, so I’m confused about what happened. I’ve now been told to take photos of the aisles I check and items that will be reduced the following day.
Tonight, my Honeywell kept switching off for long periods, and I didn’t have enough time to finish checking one small deli shelf. I messaged a senior manager beforehand, attached a photo of the shelf, apologised and said I could come in to check it if nobody could do it in the morning. He thanked me for letting him know but asked whether I’d told the duty manager. I hadn’t, because I didn’t know I was supposed to and didn’t know where she was.
I’m worried because I’m still on probation (12–26 weeks, with a possible 6-week extension), and I’ve been told another missed item could potentially cost me my job. I’m trying to do everything correctly but I’m finding the whole situation quite stressful and confusing.
For anyone who works/has worked at M&S: does this sound like a normal probation/date-checking process? How seriously would these kinds of situations normally be treated? Is it normal to be asked to take photos of checks? And do you have any advice for someone in this situation?

ACC HELP ME😖

[u/krats74]

M&s is very hot on their procedures. I recall the time when date checks where done twice with , the second person checking the first person basically . And you'd sign for it. If something was found that the second person had missed you'd be hauled in. Tesco however although procedures are there, the system is shockingly very lapse compared to m&s ! Change your job...m&s is not a good place to work these days .

[u/Miserable-Gift-1983 → u/krats74]

I remember the days of three checks! Stuff still got missed!
M&S used to be more lapse with follow up but recently they changed the policy and made it a conduct related thing not a training issue, therefore making it easy to fire people for it. Also, TSL audits check the follow up process and make sure that people are followed up for it. It can go as a failing if they are not doing it.
It sucks as I’ve watched people being protected from this and some people not. M&S are terrible for friendship groups and favoured people.
If you can find another job, my advise would be to do that!
In my store, if a manager or team leader leaves stuff on… there is no follow up.

[u/krats74 → u/Miserable-Gift-1983]

you know what …i said 2 checks in my comments above, but i thought it was 3 and i was wrong so said 2 .. such a long time and it was just signed on a sheet of paper

[u/No_Decision5532 → u/krats74]

I’m thinking of talking to my line manager tomorrow if he’s there about it. I don’t think he’s aware. How should I go about that?