i think it changed a couple of years ago (probably the '99 changes). Most companies are completely shit though, and don't recognise changes in the law until they are forced to do so by a court case. I'm going to an Industrial tribunal in a couple of weeks time (as the union rep) on behalf of a colleague who was (it will undoubtedly be found) unfairly dismissed because the employer (the bloody city council - a labour council which should not only know about, but also be actively in favour of, the changes) didn't realise the laws on fixed-term contracts had been changed.
Well, they probably did actually, but thought it would be cheaper to ignore it until trhey had lost a few court cases.
Wankers the lot of 'em.
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