usual/standard terms in fixed term contracts?

[goingbacktowork]

Are there standard terms in fixed term contracts? e.g. if a contract is for 12 months would you expect either side to have one month notice for the entire term of the contract or for the contract to be "no one can leave" for 12 months? Would you expect a probation period for a short fixed contract? If so should probation periods match those of employees who are employed for the same job on a permanant basis? Should holiday entitlement be the same for contract and permanent employees? Thanks.

A fixed term contract can either be for the complete term only (if it is badly drafted) or it can be terminals in notice in the same way as any other employment contract ie it says that it is for a fixed term of x unless terminated on x months prior written notice by either party. A fixed term contract used to be a useful thing in employment law terms since at the end of it the employee just left without any redress. Now that is not the case and if the employee works for over a year (or two if started post 6th april 2012) then the employer still needs a fair reason to terminate the employment. It can't just be ended just because the fixed term has expired.

Sorry. Terminated on notice not terminals in notice !

mmm...thanks. Yes I knew about the fact that employers cannot get round employment protections just by issuing several short term contracts. It just seems odd. Employers offering short fixed term contracts say between 6-12 months say it may only be for say 6 months but we want you to commit to that long (making it clear they do not want you leaving for a better permanent job if you find it) and then give you a contract where they (and to be fair you) can terminate on a months notice so you have no job security at all. It seems employers want it there way all round.