Overview
Fixed term contracts last for a specified period of time, or will end when a specific task/project or event has been completed. Therefore, fixed term contracts are often used to cover seasonal work, busy periods or to cover maternity leave.
Staff on fixed term contracts benefit from legal protection against 'less favourable treatment'. Employers must also ensure that fixed-term employees get:
- the same pay and conditions as permanent staff
- the same or equivalent benefits package
- information about permanent vacancies in the organisation
- protection against redundancy or dismissal.
Clear guidance for employers and employees on fixed term work can be found on Gov.uk. Guidance on the regulations for Northern Ireland have been published by the Department of Employment and Learning.