Fixed term appointments

Job security is an important issue for most staff. But for people on fixed term appointments (FTAs) it's a real concern. Being on an FTA can affect:

• career progression
• access to training
• the ability to get a mortgage.

Prospect campaigns at all levels to protect and promote the interests of members on FTAs, with security of employment being the most fundamental concern.

In the research institutes, a long Prospect campaign brought FTA members' pay scales, pension entitlements, annual leave allowances and maternity/paternity rights into line with those of permanent staff. In some cases Prospect negotiated compensation payments for staff following non-renewal of contracts.

More widely, we have voiced our concerns about the widespread use of waiver clauses, which restrict people's rights to claim unfair dismissal. The science minister responded to those concerns, and one large employer - BBSRC - agreed to the removal of such clauses. We are pressing other employers to do the same.