Fixed Term Contract Questions

scottishgirl87

Hi all,

I'm currently 6 months into a 9 month fixed term contract. All indications I've been given are good that I'm going to be kept on, although obviously I'm not taking anyone's word for that until I get offered something officially.

When would be a reasonable time to ask about my contract? One month before I'm expecting to finish?

As I understand it, they don't have to give me notice as it's fixed term, I'd just really like to know where I stand as if I'm not being kept on I'd like to start looking for another job ASAP.

cgk1

When would be a reasonable time to ask about my contract? One month before I'm expecting to finish?

I'd start asking now - say that you are interested to know if your contract is going to be renewed as you want to put other work in place if it's not.

scottishgirl87

Thanks for replying. I might try and broach the subject soon then.

Uncertain

scottishgirl87 wrote: »

As I understand it, they don't have to give me notice as it's fixed term.......

I'm not sure this is correct. This came up before and there were opposing views.

My former employer's HR department (c 10K staff) were most insistent that we had to issue notice in the normal way to end fixed term contracts.

As you have been there less than a year they could of course issue notice at any point and without reason. You are entitled to either one week's notice (or more if your contract requires it).

scottishgirl87

Uncertain wrote: »

I'm not sure this is correct. This came up before and there were opposing views.

My former employer's HR department (c 10K staff) were most insistent that we had to issue notice in the normal way to end fixed term contracts.

As you have been there less than a year they could of course issue notice at any point and without reason. You are entitled to either one week's notice (or more if your contract requires it).

Thanks, according to Direct Gov it's a week's notice. I really hope they would tell me more in advance than that!

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Understandingyourworkstatus/Fixedtermworkers/DG_175138

anamenottaken

scottishgirl87 wrote: »

Thanks, according to Direct Gov it's a week's notice. I really hope they would tell me more in advance than that!

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Understandingyourworkstatus/Fixedtermworkers/DG_175138

The one week is the minimum notice period. You need to look at your contract documentation to see how much your notice period is. It may be the same as this statutory minimum or it may be more.

Savvy_Sue

I would definitely start asking now whether your contract is going to be renewed or not: it may take them a while to give a definite answer, and if they are the least bit vague NOW is the time to start looking for another job. You don't have to stay to the end of the contract if you find one quickly.