Failure to Renew Contract - feel cheated

J_Dublin15

Hi All,

I don't think there is much I can do in this situation, but I just want to vent something even if it's just to warn people about fixed term jobs. At the start of last week, following over two years at a company, service following 50% of the company being made redundant in July I was told my contract was not going to be renewed and I was told to leave the same day, which was two days after my contract had expired.

Prior to this, on the same morning I spoke to HR who concluded that a new contract would be sent to me and executed the same day. I was never give any suggestion my contract may not be renewed and upon asking many times in the past I was told it would be handled when it expired and renewed I also spoke to my boss who told me there was no need to get a new one as everyone who kept on contracts had changed to full-time instead of fixed term. I told him I wanted this in writing, he said there was no need but I insisted.

Imagine my surprise when my bosses boss called me into his office to tell me he decided not to renew my contract and that I would have to leave the same day. I would not be paid notice because my contract has expired. I then had no choice but to walk out, feeling very very annoyed to say the least. I survived for less than four months before being let go, and was never given any indication i would. If I was made redundant in July like the rest I would have got more money than I got in pay until this date. Part of me things they did this to save money, but maybe they did not.

Looking at the various acts it seems that what they did is entirely within the law as in my contract it says "The Unfair dismissals act will not apply should a termination occur by reason of the natural expiry of the contract." so I have been really hit hard.

It then lists reasons for immediate termination, which this is not one, and states that "Except in circumstances justifying immediate termination of your employment such as those above, you will receive the appropriate period of notice as set out in the Minimum Notice and terms of Employment Act, 1973-1991" Does this mean that they have to pay me notice?

As you can imagine I'm very annoyed how they handled the situation, and I dealt with things in some difficult times, and feel this is all the thanks I get. I doubt there is anything that I can do, and I'm just clutching at straws, but it's particularly annoying to lose the job at this time of year.

Climate Expert

You were there over 2 years so I'm fairly sure you are due some redundancy and possibly compensation for illegally terminating your job. Get onto a solictor.