Hi caroMC,
Wow that is a very generous redundancy payment scheme - it would of course = 9 months pay.
Generally speaking the termination of a FT contract is still in law a 'dismissal' thus an employer should follow a fair procedure to avoid any claims of discrim against a FT worker or any claims of an 'unfair' dismissal.
If the reason for non-renewal of the contract is redundancy, then this is a potentially fair reason. All an employer needs to do is follow a fair procedure – consult, adopt a fair basis for selection (if you are not sure seek advice), consider any possible alternative work and if possible, give notice. Adopting a fair and open procedure is important to protect against claims of discrimination.
Do you have anything in writing from when you started the job confirming how this red payment would be calculated? Is it in an employee handbook?
What was the reason for the FT contract in the first place?
Have you considered writing to the ER saying that on X date you spoke to Y person and they promised you 9 months red pay. Can they confirm this is correct?
Che