four years
An employee can be kept on successive fixed-term contracts for a limit of four years. If your contract is renewed after that you become a permanent employee unless the employer can show a good reason why you should stay on a fixed-term contract.
What is a permanent fixed-term contract?
A fixed-term contract is an employment agreement between an employer and employee that lasts for a specified amount of time. As a fixed-term employee, your contract will end on a set date or upon completion of a defined and scoped piece of work.
Can I employ someone on a fixed-term contract?
After four years, any employee on a fixed term contract may automatically become a permanent employee unless there is an objective business reason that justifies a further renewal for a fixed term.
What is the minimum time for a fixed-term contract?
Fixed-term employees have the right to a minimum notice period of: 1 week if they’ve worked continuously for at least 1 month. 1 week for each year they’ve worked, if they’ve worked continuously for 2 years or more.
Is Ending a fixed term contract a dismissal?
If you are employed on a fixed-term contract, you have the right to be treated as if you were on a permanent contract, unless your employer can objectively justify any differences. You will have unfair dismissal rights after being employed for two years and the ending of your contract will be a dismissal in law.
What is the difference between a fixed term contract and a temporary contract?
The key difference is likely to be that a temporary contract will not have a fixed end date, but its termination provisions will allow for termination on notice. A fixed-term contract should only be used where there is a genuine need for the particular employee to be employed on a short term basis for a defined period.
