Fixed-Term Contract Rights Calculator 2026
Calculate fixed-term contract rights including conversion to permanent after 4 years and redundancy entitlements. Employment Rights Act protections.
Fixed-Term Contract Rights Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a fixed-term contract become permanent?
Under the Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002, after 4 years of continuous employment on fixed-term contracts, you automatically become a permanent employee unless the employer can justify continued use of fixed-term contracts.
Does non-renewal of a fixed-term contract count as dismissal?
Yes — if you've completed at least 2 years of continuous service, non-renewal is treated as a dismissal. The employer needs a fair reason and must follow a fair process.
Are fixed-term workers entitled to the same terms as permanent staff?
Generally yes — fixed-term employees cannot be treated less favourably than comparable permanent employees on pay, holiday, sick pay, or other contractual terms unless the difference is objectively justified.
Do fixed-term contracts count towards continuous service?
Yes — consecutive fixed-term contracts with the same employer count as continuous employment. There must not be a significant break in service (usually more than 1 week).
Can I claim unfair dismissal on a fixed-term contract?
Yes — after 2 years' continuous service, any dismissal (including non-renewal) requires a fair reason and fair process. Before 2 years, unfair dismissal rights generally don't apply.
Do fixed-term workers get redundancy pay?
Yes — after 2 years' continuous service, non-renewal for redundancy reasons entitles you to statutory redundancy pay calculated on continuous service.
Can I ask for a written statement of permanent status?
Yes — after 4 years you can write to your employer requesting a written statement confirming your employment is now permanent. The employer has 21 days to respond.
What if my employer disagrees that I've become permanent?
You can apply to the Employment Tribunal for a declaration. The tribunal will determine whether the employer's objective justification (if claimed) is valid.
Does TUPE affect fixed-term contracts?
Yes — fixed-term employees transfer under TUPE along with their continuous service. The 4-year permanent rule is calculated from the original employment start date.
Are zero-hours workers on fixed-term contracts?
Zero-hours contracts and fixed-term contracts are different. Zero-hours contracts may or may not give rise to employment status; each engagement needs to be assessed individually.
What rights do I have in the first 2 years on a fixed-term contract?
Statutory rights include: equal treatment with permanent staff, national minimum wage, holiday pay, statutory sick pay, and protection against discrimination (including by fixed-term status).
Can I be made redundant during a fixed-term contract?
Yes — you can be made redundant before the contract ends if there is a genuine redundancy situation. After 2 years, statutory redundancy pay applies.