Company Bonus when on Fixed Term Contract

dlmcr

Hi folks

Background: I am on a fixed term contract paid on PAYE directly with the company I'm working for. Originally from Feb 2015 for 12 months this was extended for a further 6 months so currently until Aug 2016 and then it is likely to be extended again for as long as I want... the role I'm sitting in is a permanent role and have been offered the role on a permanent basis however have declined.

Our financial year runs May to April and every year there is a bonus % of salary depending on overall financial performance of the company, this bonus is announced around end of May and I understand is paid to all permanent employees with that month's pay packet as long as they have been in service for a certain period of time.

My question is this: should I be entitled to receive this bonus and should I do something about it if I don't receive any bonus? Right now I have no expectations either way. My contract does not make any mention of this subject either way. I've not yet spoken to anyone at the company about this subject. Any advice would be appreciated!

DKLS

Ask your mgr/hr if you are eligible for the bonus scheme or not as a starting point.

I would suggest that the bonus scheme is only open to permie employees but may make exceptions if you are delivering above and beyond targets and deliverables.

phill99

It will depend entirely on your contract. If your contract doesn't include it, then you wont get it. You need to read your contract -we can't do that for you.

Guest101

I believe if you've been in position for over 3 years (which you haven't) you must get the same benefits as an equivalent permanent employee.

Darksparkle

https://www.gov.uk/fixed-term-contracts/employees-rights

Undervalued

Guest101 wrote: »

I believe if you've been in position for over 3 years (which you haven't) you must get the same benefits as an equivalent permanent employee.

The problem is very few bonuses are a contractual entitlement. Usually somewhere it will say things like "may be paid at the company's discretion". This is how companies frequently avoid paying any bonus once an employee has handed in their notice.

Guest101

Undervalued wrote: »

The problem is very few bonuses are a contractual entitlement. Usually somewhere it will say things like "may be paid at the company's discretion". This is how companies frequently avoid paying any bonus once an employee has handed in their notice.

Good point.


I think the OP needs to speak manager. However the fact they offered permanent position, but OP turned it down is surprising.


OP are you getting higher wages being temporary?


- On a side note I found out as of March, I will have been on fixed term employment for 2 years and will gain redundancy rights - which is nice - Thanks Darksparkle! - it has led me to a thought, but i'll start my own thread.

agrinnall

I would say that if you do get the bonus it would be, well, a bonus. As a contractor I would never have expected to receive anything given to permanent staff, and my expectations were met as I never did. If you want the benefits offered to permanent employees then take the permanent job.