Single Mum-6 month fixed term contract or zero hours?

NineDeuce

pjcox2005 wrote: »

I took a 6 month temp contract in one of my first jobs, left 11 years later having had a significant amount of training opportunities and promotions.


I'd look at the opportunities the job presents rather than the concern on length of contract although I appreciate that's not easy when you need to provide for your child.

But this is more exception to rule stuff. You wouldnt take an opportunity on blind hope....

[Deleted User]

NineDeuce wrote: »

But this is more exception to rule stuff. You wouldnt take an opportunity on blind hope....

And clearly some years ago, when the employment market was very different.

My experience of fixed terms...
6 month’s finished at 3
9 month’s finished at 6

[Deleted User]

DawnRose8 wrote: »

I'm starting a job as an LSA this september. It's only zero hours so will have to claim JSA and what I earn will be deducted from this. I'll need to keep looking for work with more hours to get off benefits. I'm hoping the hours may increase or it will at least improve my job prospects!
Now I have an interview for another job which looks really interesting and is 20 hours a week-perfect in every way except it's only a 6 month fixed term contract.
I'd obviously be delighted to get off benefits and be earning some money but am worried what may happen once the 6 months are up. I'll need to find something to start exactly when this contract ends and if I don't, I'll have to make a new application for benefits and face the dreaded Universal Credit delay.
Jumping the gun. as I haven't been offered the fixed term contract yet but would like some advice. What would you do?

Dont take on fixed term and keep looking (only when you need to) - it is awful living day to day. My experience I would always have job seeked when job gone/ended if I could turn back time.

Doshwaster

Deleted%20User wrote: »

And clearly some years ago, when the employment market was very different.

My experience of fixed terms...
6 month’s finished at 3
9 month’s finished at 6

In my experience a fixed term contract is more likely to be extended than cut short.

The most important thing is to keep a feel for how likely the contract is to be extended (assuming you want to be - I've had contracts where I have been delighted for them to end). A good employer should give you sufficient notice that they will or won't be renewing a contract but I've had cases where I've been left dangling until the last day.