Fixed-Term Employment Contracts in the Context of Flexicurity

This article aims to examine the problems of the conclusion, implementation and termination of fixed-term employment contracts in the context of flexicurity. Globalization as well as rapid progress in work organization and in society caused the emergence of various types of employment contracts, and this factor has changed the traditional perception of labour law. For example, a fixed-term employment contract now is considered as one of the possible forms of flexible labour relations. This research aims to analyse and disclose the balance of labour relations’ flexibility, safety and stability under temporary work conditions. The analysis of the legal aspects of flexicurity is based on problems in the Lithuanian national regulation as well as on the practice of some European Union countries. The relevance of this research is obvious due to the present economic situation: the rapid progress of technologies, intense competition and shifting needs of consumers require to soften the traditional pattern of labour relations, which must be adapted to the changes and, especially, to dynamic economical processes. Therefore, we can observe plenty of attempts to ‘simplify’ the conclusion and termination of labour contracts with a negative impact on employees’ rights.