Fixed-term Employment definition

Employment that has an agreed end date – this data may be specified as a particular day or once a particular goal has been achieved. Project management positions are often conducted on fixed term employment arrangements, which end once the project is over.

Under UK law, workers are only considered to be in fixed-term employment if they have a contract with the organisation they work for, and the employment has an end date. Seasonal/casual employees, those on maternity cover and specialist employees may on fixed-term employment.

Workers who have contracts with agencies rather than the business they work for are not fixed-term employees. Members of the armed forces are not on fixed-term employment, nor are students or trainees on work experience placements, or those working under a ‘contract of apprenticeship.’

Distinguishing between those on fixed-term contracts and those that aren’t is important because fixed-term employment provides certain specific employment rights.