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JL JobLabs

UK Recruitment Glossary

Fixed-Term Contract

Alex By Alex · 12-year UK recruiter · Updated April 2026

In recruiter context

After 4 years on successive fixed-term contracts with the same employer, you have the right to ask for a permanent contract under UK law. You're entitled to the same statutory rights as permanent staff — pay, holiday, sick pay, parental leave — and you can't be treated less favourably. The end of a fixed-term contract is technically a dismissal in employment law (specifically: dismissal by reason of expiry), which means you may be entitled to redundancy pay if you've served 2+ years. Many candidates underestimate fixed-term roles — they're often a stronger entry route into competitive employers than competing through the open recruitment process.

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