B.C. government extending temporary layoffs to 16 weeks

Temporary Layoffs in BC are now 16 weeks

The maximum allowable length of temporary layoffs in British Columbia are being extended from 13 weeks to 16 weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The change was announced by the B.C. Ministry of Labour on May 4, 2020 in order to maintain a stronger link between employees and their jobs during the global outbreak of the coronavirus.

Under normal conditions, the Employment Standards Act explains that a temporary layoff lasting longer than 13 weeks out of a period of 20 weeks can be treated as a permanent layoff.

When the layoff becomes permanent in B.C., employers are legally required to provide employees with notice of termination and severance pay.

Severance pay is calculated using numerous factors, including the employee’s age, length of service and position at the company.

Changes to layoff period are temporary

The new rules allow temporary layoffs to last up to 16 weeks.

This change is temporary. The B.C. government says that it will be in place during the coronavirus pandemic, and will be removed once it is no longer required.

The extension was introduced to align with the federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit program, which provides employees with 16 weeks of financial aid.