Contract not extended

[Notwavingbutsignalling]

Hi,

I’d really appreciate some advice and perspective regarding my work contract.

I started a job ( online interview during lockdown) that was meant to be for a couple of months but has been extended until now ( just short of two years). I knew it was temporary and have worked really hard on the first project I had so another dept asked me to stay on and work on another project. This I have done successfully I feel, with very good relationships with my managers, and lots of positive feedback. The project could be extended but they say they will no longer need me once this contract finishes.

I’m just disappointed really as it’s a lovely place to work. I’ve gone above and aboard with stuff and they in turn have given me options that I really appreciate.

I can’t help thinking that if you find a good employee you don’t let them go as a rule. They do take on a lot of staff but not in the role I have been in.

I’m just disappointed as it all became very official today. Another part of me is wondering if it’s the two year mark issue and if I have continuous employment for two years, I’ll accrue more rights. Would that make sense?

Anyway, I don’t think I’m being unreasonable felling disappointed but is it possible it’s personal and that someone else would have been kept on?

I think if you were employed to do a specific project and that has now been completed then it's quite reasonable for your employment with them to end. It must be upsetting. Focus on getting your next contract.

Were you actually employed by them or were you self employed?

I think you're right with the 2 year issue, sadly. Especially if they have a high turnover of staff. Sad for you but if that's the way they treat good staff members it is their loss. You'll find a better workplace I'm sure.

is it possible it’s personal and that someone else would have been kept on?

of course it’s possible. you’ll never know. but what they’d have done re another employee has no bearing on them not keeping you on.

I've been on the other side (HR) of this and can honestly say that sometimes it just comes down to budget. I've seen some fantastic staff come and sadly go as a result of similar circumstances and it's never been personal. You're right that in an ideal world, good staff would be retained, but sadly it just doesn't make sense to keep staff without justification.

I don't blame you for feeling disappointed, it sounds as though you enjoyed working there. I'd mention to line managers/HR that you'd like to be considered for any future roles that might open up.

This is completely normal for being a contractor and tbh you had an exceptionally good run at 2 years. You need to develop a way thicker skin if you're going to continue to contract, or look for a permanent job

Flip side. It was only meant to be a couple of months and you've managed to stay, do well and build networks for 2 years.

I'd take that as a win to be honest. Hopefully you like your next job as much. Good luck.

Thank you everyone for your quick replies.

yes, it was originally temporary and they kept extending it. The current project could continue for longer ( only first stage done as agreed) which makes me question the two year mark.

Its my first time in a post like this and I have already lined up another post as I knew there were no guarantees just feel that it’s the kind of place that looks out for a certain type of person and keeps them and I see myself as that person, I guess. They would like me to continue on some parts of the project and register as self employed which I am reluctant to do atm.

There is quite a bit of staff turnover there and a lot of staff seem to be joining in other depts ( which I understand is nothing to do with budget for my role).

Don’t know why I feel a bit deflated, that’s all. I’ve built up such a specialist body of knowledge from this specific project it just seems crazy to just let it all go.

Based on your update (that they'd like you to become self employed and continue working for them) I think it's clear that it's not personal. It also backs up my theory that it's probably budget related, because an organisation will often have different pots of money per department (e.g. payroll, external suppliers, etc.) and they've probably used up the payroll budget but can fudge it by using the other pot of money.

@Poppins2016

that makes sense esp as it is a charity.

Ah, I’m sure I’m overthinking it.

Charity - yes it'll be funding related. They'll have come to the end of the current (external grant?) funding for the project. It can be difficult to get grant funding for an existing project, so in the next grant application they need to make it look like it's entirely new and shiny - and therefore have asked you to do it self-employed.
You'd be able to charge far more but of course it does come with uncertainty and no pension.
Might be worth asking if you can re-apply for a 'similar' role, i.e. the same role but for a 'new' (cough cough) project.

That said, it's a load of hassle, time to move on and find somewhere that values you. Take all the networking with you, update LinkedIn etc.

Thank you @Agapornis

I’ve learned loads with them too and have certainly gained from being in that organisation so yes, will do the networking, etc as my new job is in a related field.

Thank you all for your time and advice. I’m going to take it all as positive and will keep in contact with them (mostly because I really like them😁)

Its a minefield with jobs - so hard to gauge things sometimes🤪

Look for a permanent job next ?

I understand what you mean. I’m in. a similar position. I gave the job 100% when I need not have done so. I feel unappreciated I guess. I could easily have sat back and let a lot slide but didn’t. But I did not get treated differently to those who saw the role and openly took the piss because they knew they were needed.
I feel it is unjust yet I knew it wasn’t advertised as a permanent role.

@Cityarttrail1

yep, that would be the place to start!

@Isuppose i’ve definitely been in that situation before and its horrible. You leave those jobs shattered yet still have to find the energy to start again and it leaves you drained. Plus you ‘ve actually started to make work friends but leave before the friendship really consolidates.

Permanent is the way I think. My circumstances prohibited it up until now but I cant wait until I feel that security.

I doubt very much that it's you. They obviously really like you if they have kept you on for two years. I bet that all the other new starters are contractors too. Very disappointing though, hope you find somewhere else really nice.

@Unicorn2022

thank you. I hadn’t thought of whether the new starts were fixed contracts or permanent, actually. That’s a good point.

Are the new people self-employed by any chance? Forcing people to do so is false self-employment, which HMRC take a very dim view of, should you want to tell HMRC about it... Your employer will avoid paying the minimum wage, employers’ National Insurance, sick pay, holiday pay and pension contributions - and of course you'll have no rights.
Wouldn't surprise me if they did force more people than just you - the charity sector tends to not care much for its employees under the guise of 'but it is charity'. I am aware I'm quite cynical after 15 years in the sector (and looking to retrain).

@Agapornis

I honestly don’t know that but could well be the case. I think the negative news about the economy makes places like charities nervous about commitments. It could be the model they are going with post covid.