Fixed term contract - right to appeal

[Hendoisthecaptain]

Hi, can anyone help please. I'm asking on behalf of my Dsis whose been told her fixed term contract will end next month. She started the job last October. She knew it was fixed term and signed the contract with a clear end date. However, she was hopeful that it would be extended. She has been told that the contract is not being extended due to lack of funding. She would like to appeal this decision but is unsure what her rights are.

Thanks.

[MrsTrelis]

Hi OP. On what basis does she want to appeal it? Is she confident there is funding?

[butterfly133]

I've been in this position and fairly sure she has no rights
Mine was a while ago though

I remain somewhat confused as to why anyone signs a fixed term contract with any other hopes but I am a major pessimist. for the record, my manager kicked up a huge fuss and I was offered an extension. It might be an idea to see if someone can advocate for her in the same way. In my case, my manager was insistent and they found money from a different budget allocation, or so they said...!

It did go up to the wire though, I already had interviews lined up and my manager was very stressed about it all. And I had the joy of saying to people, "oh I won't be here so there's no point me attending x y z meeting". It was the most peaceful three months I've ever had at work

[Hendoisthecaptain]

Hi, thanks for the quick replies.

My Dsis accepts that there might not be any funding but hoped that she'd have her contract extended. She just really loves the job and wants to stay and wondered if she could go to appeal to see if the employer would reconsider. I said I was unsure if she has a right to appeal as she's worked for them for less than a year.

[Pipsqueak11]

Better surely to leave on good terms In the hope of reengagement when funding permits ? Not worth the risk of hacking them off with some appeal that's not going to go anywhere in my view,

[lougle]

There is no official right to anything (barring discrimination) before 2 years. That doesn't mean that she can't write a letter expressing disappointment and asking that she be considered for any upcoming similar roles.

[lizzywig]

I issue fixed term contracts at work and agree with the others. Our contracts include a clear reason as to why the contract is fixed term, ie funding etc. If we had given funding as a reason and there was additional funding before the end, the contract would be extended. If not it would be ended. Sometimes you do lose good people. Those who have been with us for longer tthan two years have different rights, ie redundancy payment if we cannot find alternative job for them. Maybe yyour sister should see if there is something else internal in the company. From what you have said she doesn't have grounds for appeal.

[Northernlurker]

Of course she can't 'appeal'. This isn't a decision made about her. It's made about the role and it was made before she filled it.

[Hendoisthecaptain]

Hi, thanks for the advice. My Dsis has seen sense and won't be taking it any further. She understands that it's a legitimate reason for not extending her contract and is looking for work elsewhere.