IN GF, for ages, ex-pats were on three year "renewable" contracts. No messing. With first contract and renewed contracts, closing statement said ; " Thus, on ,-----------(date) will be your last working day with the company. Weeks before that finality, contracts was usually renewed. On it went for decades. Then, guys insisted on "permanent contracts" . None of this three year nonsense. Job for life eh ? Company agreed and they all got "permanent " contracts. ER, three month's notice, either side. Job for life went to a three month security. Clueless clowns still thought they had a better deal.
Too long a sad story but dear ole mate of mine was transferred to a new type, late in his career. GIven a ONE year contract but a THREE year bond. Just gorra larf at the whole sorry business.