We have several staff on Fixed Term Contracts. I know that employees on fixed-term contracts have the right to convert to permanent employment once they have worked under one or more fixed-term contracts for four years, unless the employer can objectively justify continuing to offer work on a fixed-term basis only.

One of our posts is funded externally by the government, so if we get the funding we renew the fixed term contract. We are now in the 5th year of using a FTC to the postholder.  

Is reliance on external funding an objectively justified resaon for using succesive FTCs? Or do we now have to confirm her in post as a permanent employee?

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

R