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Fixed term contracts
Fixed term contracts
- replacement of another employee who is temporarily absent;
- temporary increase in work volume (expected duration up to 12 months);
- student or graduate internships;
- project work;
- non-citizens that have been granted a work permit for a defined period;
- seasonal work;
- public works or job creation schemes;
- positions funded by external sources for a limited period;
- after retirement age was reached; or
- any other justifiable reason
Using a fixed term contract as a probation period, is not a justifiable reason in terms of the LRA and constitutes unfair labour practise. Termination of the contract after completion of the fixed term, may be seen as unfair dismissal.
- the employees earning in excess of the income threshold which under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act;
- an Employer that employs less than 10 Employees; or
- that employs less than 50 Employees and whose business has been in operation for less than 2 years, unless the Employer conducts more than one business; or the business was formed by the division or dissolution for any reason of an existing business; and
- an Employee employed in terms of a fixed-term contract which is permitted by any statute, sectoral determination, or collective agreement
Using a fixed term contract as a probation period, is not a justifiable reason in terms of the LRA and constitutes unfair labour practise. Termination of the contract after completion of the fixed term, may be seen as unfair dismissal.
CAN A FIXED TERM EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT BE RENEWED?
The employer must be careful not to create an expectation of permanent employment with the employee, which can easily happen when a fixed term employment contract is renewed. When renewing such a contract (for a second, similar period), the employer must inform the employee in writing that there will be no further renewals and confirm the expiry date of the contract. The more frequently an employer rolls over a fixed term contract, the more reasonable becomes the employee’s expectation that it will continue to be rolled over in the future, hence creating an expectation of permanent employment.
If a fixed term employment contract comes to an end and the employee remains in this position, legislation states that that employee will be deemed a permanent employee, unless the contrary can be proved. This means that the contract will be deemed to have been tacitly renewed on the same terms, except that the relationship will now be of a permanent duration and the contract may only be terminated by dismissal, the employee’s resignation or death.
Employers must clearly understand that to disguise what is actually permanent employment in the form of a fixed term contract is illegal.
Be proactive:
The most important rules with regards to fixed term employment contracts are:
- Never create an expectation of permanent employment;
- Make sure that you will be able to motivate why a person is appointed on a fixed term in terms of the listed grounds as referred to in the LRA;
- If a fixed term contract is renewed, ensure that it does not create an expectation and amend the contract timeously with good reason;
- Fixed term employees must be treated the same as permanent employees with regards to wages, leave and other benefits. Employees on fixed term contracts must also be given equal access to opportunities to apply for vacancies as well as be entitled to severance pay upon termination of employment where the employee is employed on a fixed term contract exceeding 24 months.
We advise employers to ensure that their employment contracts comply with applicable labour legislation and that expiration of fixed term contracts are managed properly and with the necessary care.
This article is intended for informative purposes and does not constitute advice. Always obtain advice from a professional when dealing with contracts. For more information contact the LWO on 0861 101 828 or info@lwo.co.za
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