Types of Contract

The University broadly uses four kinds of contract:

1. Permanent
2. Fixed-term
3. Temporary
4. As-and when (or casual).

"Permanent” Contracts

These which have no end date other than the retirement date of the employee. However, in practice, no contract is permanent and College contracts provide for the employment to be ended on both sides by the giving of notice.

Fixed-Term Contracts

These have an end-date other than the employee’s retirement date. They are often issued to staff in roles funded for a fixed period by an external grant. They will normally last at least six months.

Temporary Contracts

Such contracts are used for very short periods of employment that are nearly always less than a year, and are often for less than six months. They are used, for example to employ:

• Teaching Assistants during term-times;
• conference staff required during the SCS department’s peak summer months;
• to cover staff absent on maternity leave, etc.

As-And-When Contracts

Also known as casual contracts, they are used where there is no mutual obligation on the parties. The University is not required to provide work, and if it does offer work, the worker is not obliged to accept it.

Each kind of contract has different legal and administrative advantages (and disadvantages) associated with them. These considerations will normally dictate which contract type is the most appropriate.