The Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002, which came into force on 1 October 2002, prevents employees being kept on a series of fixed-term contracts indefinitely. Once a series of contracts have continued for four years, the current contract is treated as becoming a permanent contract and the employee may ask the employer, in writing, for a "written statement of variation", i.e. written confirmation that the contract is now permanent.

Employees who were already working under a fixed-term contract on 1 October 2002 and who have continued to work under a series of fixed term contracts since then will be treated as having the necessary four years continuity of employment on 1 October 2006. Their contracts will become permanent contracts on that date.

...back to 22 June 2006

Sources:
DTI Guidance - Fixed term work

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