Job loss fears surge among older Canadians: Survey

Many Canadians are increasingly anxious about their livelihoods as the job market shows signs of weakening, suggests a recent survey by Maru Public Opinion.

Interestingly, while concerns are typically more pronounced among younger Canadians, the percentage of those aged 18-34 worried about job security has decreased by 3 percentage points over the past month. In contrast, anxiety among those aged 34-54 has increased by 5 percentage points.

With the possibility of a recession looming, some economists predict weaker economic growth and higher unemployment rates in the coming quarters.

Current employment trends

• In October, Canada’s employment rose by 0.6%, recovering from previous losses, with significant gains in the manufacturing, construction, and accommodation sectors. However, the unemployment rate remained at 5.2% due to more Canadians seeking work.
• One-third of people aged 18 to 34 fear they will be laid off or lose their job, which is a drop from the previous month but higher than in March.
• 15% of people aged 35 to 54 are worried about being laid off, a five-percentage-point increase.
• Job vacancies, once at record highs, have fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, and the unemployment rate rose to 6.4% in June. The number of long-term unemployed has jumped by about four percentage points from a year ago.
• The Bank of Canada’s Business Outlook Survey indicates that 40% of employers do not plan to add any workers, and 50% of people are finding it harder to land a job in their field.

Can my employer fire me due to my age?

No, you can’t be let go from your job or disciplined because of your age. This would be illegal and constitute age discrimination. Laws in Canada protect employees from such mistreatment.

Can my employer force me to retire?

No, employers can’t pressure or force a non-unionized worker to retire at any age. This is illegal and a direct violation of provincial and federal human rights codes, which guarantees equal treatment in employment and protects against age-based discrimination.

• Mandatory Retirement: There is no longer a mandatory age of retirement in Canada. Employees can work as long as they want. If your employer terminates your employment due to age, they must provide a full severance package and potentially additional compensation for breaching your rights.
• Constructive Dismissal: If an employer pressures and employee or makes working conditions so unbearable that they feel forced to resign, this could be deemed constructive dismissal. In such cases, the employee is entitled to severance pay and potentially additional compensation for the violation of their rights.

How is severance pay calculated?

The amount of severance pay you are entitled to is calculated using several factors, including:

Severance for non-unionized employees in Canada can be as much as 24 months’ pay. This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Alberta, B.C. and Ontario. To figure out how much you could be owed, use our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator. It has helped millions of Canadians determine their severance entitlements.

If your company doesn’t provide you with the correct amount, you have been wrongfully dismissed and should seek legal counsel immediately. Samfiru Tumarkin LLP regularly resolves wrongful dismissal claims and can help you secure proper severance.

LEARN MORE
• Severance for provincially regulated employees
• Rights to severance for tech sector staff
• Severance packages in mass layoffs

Lost your job? Talk to an employment lawyer

If you have been fired or let go for any reason, contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

If you are a non-unionized employee who needs help with a workplace issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.