Fixed-term workers Q&As

The main Acts and Regulations covering workers on fixed-term contracts are:

• The Employment Act 2002
• The Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/2034) which implement the provisions of the Fixed-term Work Directive (1999/70/EC) into UK law
• The Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/2776).

Fixed-term contracts are also affected by EU law. For example the EU Directive 1999/70/EC and the Framework Agreement on fixed-term work. Although fixed-term contracts work slightly differently in different member states there are some basic rights which apply throughout the EU and many reported cases arise concerning the rights of fixed term workers.