I am in a 6-month temporary assignment covering maternity leave and have just been given a contract by the Director (small firm of 5 employees). They have stipulated 2-months' notice to terminate by either party - isnt this excessive for a temp job? I may lose the chance of a permanent job on this length of notice. Also is there a requirement for them to pay me holiday pay? They are offering 10 paid days for the 6-month spell but if I dont agree to the 2-month notice period clause could they withdraw the holiday pay?
2 months is quite a long notice period, but you are not obliged to accept the contract.
Yes, you are entitled to at least the statutory minimum amount of holiday, which is a statutory entitlement so cannot be withdrawn..