UKG Layoffs 2026: What’s Happening & Severance Rights in Canada

Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG) is reportedly cutting around 950 jobs as part of a restructuring.

One Reddit user posted what’s believed to be an internal memo from the HR software company — claiming that 600 workers were terminated on April 15, 2026.

“Approximately 350 employees [are being] asked to remain with UKG for a defined transition period to ensure continuity for our customers and partners as we evolve our operations and service model,” the memo reads.

Several affected employees at UKG Canada have contacted Samfiru Tumarkin LLP about their severance offers.

According to LinkedIn, the company currently has more than 580 workers in the country.

This page explains:

• What’s happening with UKG layoffs
• Whether a layoff at UKG is permanent
• How much severance Canadian employees at UKG may be owed
• What to do before signing a severance offer

UKG Layoffs: A Timeline of Recent Job Cuts

• July 2024: UKG is laying off 14% of its workforce to focus on “critical areas of growth.”

Is a UKG Layoff Temporary or Permanent?

For non-unionized employees at UKG Canada, a layoff is almost always treated as a termination without cause, even if the following language is used:

• “Restructuring”
• “Reorganization”
• “Transformation”
• “Temporary layoff”

Unless your employment contract explicitly allows for UKG to temporarily lay you off, the company can’t place you on indefinite layoff without terminating your employment — meaning they must provide full severance pay.

Severance Pay for UKG Employees

In Canada, non-unionized employees, including those at UKG, are often owed far more severance pay than what’s outlined in their initial offer.

Severance is based on common law entitlements, not just minimum standards. Factors include:

• Age
• Length of service
• Position and seniority
• Availability of comparable jobs

In many cases, UKG employees in Canada can be owed up to 24 months of compensation.

Severance may include:

• Base salary
• Continued benefits
• Bonus and incentive compensation
• Stock, equity, or RRSP contributions (where applicable)
• Vacation pay
• Other earned compensation

First offers often:

• Cover only minimum entitlements
• Exclude bonuses or incentives
• Impose short signing deadlines
• Undervalue long-service or senior employees

Severance Offers: Common Problems

Canadian employees affected by layoffs frequently report issues such as:

• Severance offers far below legal entitlements
• Missing or unclear compensation breakdowns
• Benefits cut off too early
• Bonuses excluded without justification
• “Temporary layoff” language used improperly
• Pressure to sign within 24–48 hours

Wrongful Dismissal and UKG Layoffs

A wrongful dismissal occurs when major employers, including UKG, fail to provide full severance required under common law.

You may have a claim if:

• Your severance offer is too low
• A termination clause isn’t enforceable
• You were pressured to accept your severance offer on the spot
• Bonuses or benefits were excluded from your severance package
• You were terminated while on medical, parental, or disability leave
• UKG labelled your termination a “temporary layoff” without contractual authority

Large-scale layoffs at UKG don’t reduce their legal obligations in Canada.

Laid Off at UKG? Next Steps

If you’ve been laid off at UKG:

1. Don’t sign your severance offer immediately
2. Gather your employment contract, bonus plans, and benefits information
3. Use the Severance Pay Calculator to double-check your entitlements
4. Keep records of your role, compensation, and length of service
5. Speak with an employment lawyer before agreeing to anything

UKG Layoffs: Frequently Asked Questions

How much severance can UKG employees receive?

Up to 24 months in Canada — depending on age, service, and position.

Are UKG layoffs permanent?

For non-unionized employees, yes. A layoff is typically a termination.

Does UKG have to include bonuses in severance?

Often yes — especially if bonuses were a regular part of compensation.

Can UKG terminate employees on leave?

This can raise serious wrongful dismissal and human rights issues.

Can employment lawyers represent unionized UKG staff?

No. Unionized employees at UKG Canada must go through their union.

Lost Your Job at UKG? Get Help Now

If UKG has laid you off, or offered a severance/buyout package, don’t do anything before seeking legal advice.

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, one of Canada’s most reviewed employment law firms, has helped more than 50,000 Canadians secure the compensation they’re legally entitled to.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.