LRD guides and handbook September 2013

Contracts of employment - a guide to using the law for union reps

Chapter 9

Non-renewal of a fixed-term contract

Fixed-term contracts normally end automatically when they reach the agreed end date. The employer does not have to give any notice. However, the ending of a fixed-term contract is a dismissal and an employee with enough service can claim unfair dismissal. It is unlawful for employees on fixed-term contracts to be asked to waive this protection.