Update to our Policy and Procedure on Contracts of Employment
30 Jun 2025
From Tuesday, 1 July 2025 employees on a Fixed Term Contract who reach 3 years service will automatically be transferred to a Finite Funded Permanent Contract (FFPC).
Joint Announcement between UMUCU, Unite, Unison and the People Directorate
In November 2023, a collaborative Task & Finish group was formed, bringing together colleagues from the People Directorate and representatives from the campus Trade Unions—UMUCU, Unite, and Unison. This joint effort focused on listening to representations on the topic of workforce casualisation, with a shared commitment to improving employment practices for both academic and professional services staff.
The group created a constructive space for dialogue and through open and purposeful discussions, all parties worked together toward a common goal specifically to consider how to reduce dependence on casualised employment wherever practicable.
What is the change?
This partnership has led to a number of positive outcomes and meaningful progress. Notably, the University and the three Trade Unions reached a key agreement regarding the duration of Fixed Term Contracts. From 1 July 2025 colleagues on Fixed Term Contracts will now be transitioned to either a Finite Funded Permanent Contract (FFPC) or a Permanent Contract (dependent on the employment circumstances) after three years of continuous service, a significant improvement from the previous four-year threshold.
How does this affect me if I am on a Fixed Term Contract?
Effective from Tuesday, 1 July 2025, colleagues who have completed three years of continuous service on a Fixed Term Contract, where the work remains ongoing, will be transitioned to a Finite Funded Permanent Contract (FFPC).
For colleagues approaching three years continuous service, an objective review will be conducted by the relevant Line Manager as part of the consultation process. If the work remains ongoing and is linked to finite funding, the contract will transition to a FFPC. However, if the work is not tied to a specific future end date/funding link and remains ongoing this may be converted to a Permanent Contract, subject to the objective review.
This agreement reflects the strength of collaborative working and our collective commitment to improving our working environment for all colleagues – approximately 300 colleagues will benefit from this change from 1 July 2025.
To implement this positive change, the University's Policy and Procedure on Contracts of Employment has been updated. Colleagues currently on a fixed term contract who are affected by this change from 1 July 2025 will receive direct communication from the People Directorate confirming their updated contractual status.
On behalf of UMUCU, UNITE, UNISON and the People Directorate
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