Fixed-term agreements can only be offered when a fixed term is genuinely required as in the case of seasonal or temporary work. The employer must make this clear to the employee before work starts and explain why this is the case.
If these conditions are met there is no automatic right to the renewal or extension of a fixed-term employment agreement.
As a general rule, a fixed-term agreement means just that. So it pays to be cautious about your expectations of continued employment, even though you may feel you have performed well in a temporary position. However, most agreements are open-ended.
If problems do arise in an employment relationship, employees and employers can get information and guidance from the Workplace Contact Centre, freephone: 0800 20 90 20 or visit the Department of Labour.
