Temporary Employment

[psychic_kitten]

Hello,

I have what sounds like, but probably isn't, a relatively straight forward question:

How can a person be hired/classed as a temporary employee (not worker) on an indefinite period? Specifically, there never was an intention for their employment to end on a certain date or continue for a period of time; there was no project or specific work to be completed; they aren't covering anyone who is on leave of any sort.

To clarify, the employment is directly with the company and not through an agency.

Thanks for any advice - let me know if I need to provide any more information to get a more accurate answer.

[Mr $quandaŁot]

Re: Temporary Employment

It is possible as most things in this country.

I had a direct contract last summer (on a zero hour basis) which practically was a "fixed" term contract but "fixed" meant until further notice

Mine was a project and I had quite a nice sum of untaken holidays on completion. However, if your contract is still going on in six months time you may wish to enquire about a permanent contract.

On another note, a "permanent" contract means very little in the UK. You have no rights whatsoever In the first two years. Even after that letting you go on grounds of "gross misconduct" (practically any excuse) is rather easy!

[psychic_kitten]

Re: Temporary Employment

Thank you for your reply.

The contract in question isn't a zero hour contract; it is to do 37.5 hours per week in a specific role such as you would expect if hired on a permanent basis.

It's also been ongoing for over two years.

What I'm really trying to establish is the difference between a "fixed-term contract" and a "temporary contract"; as it would appear that if you have any end date, you should not be treated differently in terms of benefits and such to a permanent colleague, yet without an end date none of this applies to you.