URGENT - New Rules for Fixed Term Contracts

New rules apply when engaging employees on fixed-term contracts. A fixed-term contract terminates at the end of a set period (for example, it ends on a set date, after a set period of time, or after a set season). The new rules include a requirement for employers to give any employees they’re engaging on a new fixed-term contract a Fixed Term Contract Information Statement (FTCIS).

They also include some limitations on how fixed-term contracts can be used. There are some exceptions to who these limitations apply to which means they don’t apply to all fixed-term contracts. The limitations also don’t apply to casual employees.

Fixed Term Contract Information Statement

Employers must give every employee engaged under a new fixed-term contract a copy of the Fixed Term Contract Information Statement (FTCIS). The FTCIS needs to be given when the employee enters, or as soon as possible after entering, the fixed-term contract. The FTCIS provides fixed-term employees with information about fixed-term employment, including the rules about when fixed-term contracts are allowed to be made.

Source Reference - Fair Work Ombudsman