Contract - questions

[Userxxxxx]

Hi,

I'm in a temporary role, last extension happened 22nd December to extend until 31st January. I was ok with this albeit feeling a fraud as the job just isn't busy.

It was said casually last week they I could stay until March. (after I requested a single day's annual leave so I was worried they would get suspicious as I'd started to look for other jobs as I'm told the people I'm covering do want their job back at some point)

Today for the first time I've walked in to find an actual paper contract on my desk - in it, it is backdated to start 1st January 24 until 31st March 24. I've never had this before, can a contract be backdated? surely it should be from the 31st January? on the 2nd of Jan I got up thinking it was all over come the 31st.

It also now states one month's notice on both sides (previous to this contract it was one week on the HR system) so does this mean come end of February we can expect to hear further/get notice? it states this employment contract does not create a relationship of permanent employment a few times throughout.

Also it reminds the holiday year also ends 31st March so I suppose we need to use up any holiday? (I've a job interview tomorrow which I'm in two minds about now cancelling as maybe I should accept the fate of the job I'm in)

Aside from the employment contract which is set as SSP only for me - can you be off work on SSP for literally years? (before a company lets you go)

Just reading a gov link, ssp only gets paid for 28 weeks? after that are you just let go? the contract also reads if you are off on long-term sick then you have to return for at least 26 weeks again, if you are to be sick again.

Yes it can be backdated. Ssp is only payable for a limited period and you can be let go even while off sick.

That is not unusual. You are not automatically let go after ssp stops and if they pay above that they can restrict eligibility a second time. There may be an absence policy too.

Thank you, the organisation seemed supported of those off sick at Christmas and even HR said start of the week I don't know where you are all going to sit but I appreciate you never can tell. I really don't think I can bare a perm job from this situation.

Do you think I can ask them why is it a month's notice now for a short contract?
To other new employers surely it would like I was telling tall stories - a temp with a month's notice? It's just difficult its becoming clearer the Manager only wants me around to cover what the other temp can't do.