Temporary 3 month contracts and possibly beyond?

[Cherry Cigar]

Just a bit of a concern, just under 3 months ago I managed to get a contract with Royal Mail at a distribution centre I wont say which one as I know these things can be highly political , it is now coming soon to the end of my contract there is hope that it might be renewed and loose reassurances from managers, it seems no one really knows definitely? But co-workers on the same 3 month temporary contract, some seem to take this as normal that it is going to get the contract renewed, Obviously our jobs are not advertised, but numbers are needed to make the place work, all we know it is in discussion is this very normal of Royal Mail this is alien to me, as I have always worked for small companies previously and know where I 'am standing, could anyone shed any light on this and could I possibly be working without a contract at all when this one has expired or a new one to just appear out of know where or end up possibly with nothing, I would really like to know what's going on with Royal Mails think tank?

[cobberwebb]

Think tank? More like 'think clown car'.
But anyway, if they have not said you don't have a job when it runs out it will likely be renewed for another 3 months.
My contract ended 31st December and my new one runs out Monday! It was explained that: others in the office have contracts ending on the 27th
so the DOM just wanted to bring mine plus a few others, inline with them. So I'll be soon playing the waiting game to see what I get, again.
I've been with RM for 13 months now and I have a 4 week rota (averages 32hpw) which I can't see changing, so I'm hoping for a permanent contract.

[Cherry Cigar]

Thanks for replying, I suspect there's quiet a few people out there possibly in this un-familiar situation or have been through this situation before? Like the clown car quote quite funny on a less serious note, I feel like I have joined the circus now!
Best to keep positive and hope you get the permanent contract that you want!
And get any continuation that I want!

[cobberwebb]

Good luck.
I do believe that when you reach 2 years of continuous employment with RM, they have to offer you a permanent contract.
What are the chances of getting one before two years though ...

[Barbel]

As I said in another thread yesterday, 3 people in our office have been told their contract is not being renewed after working at RM for a year so I guess you're never really safe until you get a permanent contract in your hand no matter how long you've been there.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

As I said in another thread yesterday, 3 people in our office have been told their contract is not being renewed after working at RM for a year so I guess you're never really safe until you get a permanent contract in your hand no matter how long you've been there.

... and even then you have to make sure you everything correct, no taking a chance that you won't be caught etc. We have lost a few in the last year most of them into double digits in terms of years service. I think now is probably one of the less certain eras for employment security, especially with the attacks by the ConDems on Legal Aid and Employment Tribunals.

Justice its seems is only available if you have the means to pay for it.