Portugal: new exceptional extension of the maximum duration of fixed-term contracts, to 4 years

Fixed-term contracts can be renewed two more time, up to 12 months (in addition to the current maximum, 3 years).  This is an extraordinary measure, which will end in 2016.  The government’s decision, which has just been approved by the National Assembly, replaces a similar measure adopted in 2012, which expired in July.  The government aims to keep unemployment from increasing.  (Ref.  130556)
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Extending fixed-term contracts. The current Portuguese Labor Code provides that fixed-term contracts can be renewed three times and up to 3 years. The extraordinary measure approved by the National Assembly allows another renewal within a 12-month limit, until December 31, 2016. Thus, the total number of possible renewals is 5.

Exceptional measure. This exceptional decision follows a similar measure adopted in 2012 and expired since July 2013. The government, which initiated the...

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