Fixed Term/Temporary Contracts Guidance - August 2026
In this section
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Purpose
- 3. Scope
- 4. Differences Between a Fixed Term Contract and Temporary Contract
- 5. Workers
- 6. Successive Use of Fixed term/ Temporary Contracts
- 7. Issuing Fixed term/ Temporary Contracts
- 8. Rights of Fixed term/ Temporary Employees
- 9. Fixed Term/Temporary Contracts and Restructuring
- 10. Fixed-term or Temporary Employees Applying for Secondments
- 11. Selection for Redundancy
- 12. Redundancy Payment
- 13. Continuous Service
- 14. Access to Permanent Posts
- 15. Renewal and Non-Renewal of Fixed Term/Temporary Contracts
- 16. Reviewing Fixed term / Temporary Contracts
- 17. Renewal of a Fixed term / Temporary Contract
- 18. Non-Renewal of a Fixed Term / Temporary Contract
- 19. Ensuring Equality of Opportunity
- Appendix A – Restructuring and Fixed Term/ Temporary Contracts Q&A
- Appendix B – Consultation Invite Letter Fixed Term/ Temporary Contract
6. Successive Use of Fixed term/ Temporary Contracts
The Authority / school must be mindful of the use of successive fixed-term/temporary contracts and must be aware that an employee who has four years’ service or more on fixed-term/temporary contracts may be entitled to permanent status unless a further renewal on a fixed-term basis can be objectively justified.
Furthermore, if the objective reason for the use of such a contract is the short-term nature of the work, this justification must be called into question where the contract is repeatedly renewed, and the overall duration of the employment becomes substantial. Regular reviews of the contractual status/arrangements should be undertaken in conjunction with section 15.