Do temporary contracts automatically become permanent?

[whoknowswho]

I wonder if anyone can help me with this employment law query?? I started a job in September 2013 and received a 6 month temporary contact. I am still in the same position (with the local authority) but have never received any further contracts. Would my position still be classed as temporary or does employment law rule that it becomes permanent after a certain time? Thanks in advance.

Unless the law has changed (and it might have, and might depend on where in the country you are) I think the contract must be renewed back to back for four years to become classed as permenant.

So it would still be classed as temporary at the moment. Also it must be exactly the same contract so no changes to terms and conditions.

I'm no expert on this by the way, just letting you know my understanding of it.

In the uk, you are technically permanent after 4 years.

In addition, after two years, you are entitled to a redundancy payment, so don't be surprised if you aren't renewed around this time.

Thanks chanie44 - that is very interesting. Thanks for the info.

Yes it is four years but actually that doesn't really matter in terms of your employment rights. Once you've been employed two years you have the right not to be unfairly dismissed, "temporary" or not.