To think a 6 month contract is a bit of a joke?

[gambeeno]

I’ve worked for my current company for 2 years on a fixed term contract. I have been getting great feedback all along and my manager and head of department was very very keen for me to stay on permanently.

She promised me I would be getting a full time position and she was very excited to have me. I didn’t bother applying for any other jobs because I felt secure.

Fast forward to 2 months before the end of my contract and HR said they can only offer me another 6 month contract. Apparently the department isn’t that strong financially. Funny that the 6 month contract also overlaps with a 6 month maternity leave in the team.

I am absolutely furious. It is now too late to look elsewhere as recruiting happens every 6 months in the sector. HR keep telling me it is 6 months with a view to making it permanent but that sounds like BS.

I think this OP has been on fixed term contracts which can make it a sticky area

And just like that, I have been offered a permanent role elsewhere

Next time apply elsewhere and have a perm contract offered then you’ll be in a good bargaining place

Congratulations!

That was quick :)

Not in the slightest. It is something like 30 odd years since that was the case. Provided someone is an employee - so this does not include workers on casual or zero hour contracts - then employment rights are attached only to continuous service. Up to two years both have the same rights, and both have the same rights after two years.

I've nearly fallen foul of the carrot dangling whilst on a contract more than once and am now very cautious of any promises or assurances by an employer in this situation.

Much easier for them to keep you sweet with the promise of a permanent role and keep you busting a gut to prove yourself than be honest and risk you looking for another job before they are ready to recruit.

Yes, exactly this!

Congratulations @gambeeno!

Thanks to the incompetence of Rachel Thieves and her business tax organizations of all sizes are having to freeze recruitment and hire fewer employees at lower wages and shorter contracts. I would accept the 6 months contract but actively look for other opportunities.

I agree @Philbobs - if you have legal advice with your home insurance ring and enquire, it doesn’t sound right at all. In some local authorities if you leave after less than 2 years you can’t freeze the benefits, you have to transfer out. So the options are withdraw your own contributions or transfer the whole lot (your and the employers’ contributions) into another pension. If you withdraw your money they get to keep theirs, but if you transfer you keep all of it, within the next pension.

congrats on the job offer @gambeeno !!! Speedy work!

At 17% employer cont ( LGPS) id definitely be transferring to another pension.