Briefing Note: Work Reduction or Temporary Layoff During “COVID-19 Period” Not Termination

Sherrard Kuzz LLP

August 19, 2020

COVID-19, employers, human resources, pandemic, regulations

On May 29, 2020, the Government of Ontario introduced a regulation under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”) that provides welcome relief to any employer that temporarily laid off a non-union employee or reduced non-union employee wages and/or hours due to COVID-19. The regulation largely exempts any such layoff or reduction from being deemed a termination of employment, so that there is no obligation to provide ESA notice and severance.

This Briefing Note summarizes the new regulation. From Sherrard Kuzz LLP.