Fixed Term Contracts — 6) FAQs & Need more help?

FAQs & Need more help?

FAQs

• My contract started 10 Jan 2022 and ends 31 Dec 2023 — do the new rules apply? No. They don’t apply to contracts that commenced before 6 Dec 2023.
• My 10 Jan 2022 contract to 5 Dec 2023 had a 12‑month extension from 6 Dec 2023 — is that a new contract? The extension is a variation of the original contract, so the relevant start date remains 10 Jan 2022. The new rules don’t apply to that contract, but it will factor in when considering any new contract later.
• I signed a non‑compliant contract commencing 9 Sep 2024 — what happens? If no exception applies, the contract is still valid but the end date has no effect; employment is taken to be permanent.
• I had contracts 1 Jan 2021, 1 Jan 2023 and 1 Jan 2025 (each 2 years) with similar duties but different titles — what are my rights? The 2025 contract is after 6 Dec 2023, so the rules apply to new contracts. Prior contracts may evidence continuity; the employer may argue duties differ.
• I work in a public hospital on a 1 Jul 2025–1 Jul 2026 contract — do the rules apply? Public hospitals are excepted for contracts entered between 6 Dec 2023 and 1 Nov 2025 (subject to specific circumstances).