On May 4, 2020, the Government of British Columbia announced an
extension of the temporary layoff period to assist employers during
the unprecedented financial circumstances associated with the
COVID-19 pandemic.
British Columbia's Employment Standards Regulation (Regulation)
was amended to provide for a temporary layoff of 16 weeks in a
period of 20 consecutive weeks where the COVID-19 pandemic was a
contributing cause of the layoff.
In circumstances where the temporary layoff is not due to
COVID-19-related reasons, the extended temporary layoff period now
provided for under the Regulation will not apply. Instead, the
usual temporary layoff period of 13 weeks in any period of 20
consecutive weeks set out in British Columbia's Employment Standards Act will continue to
apply.
The Government of British Columbia announced that this is a
temporary change to employment standards in the province. The
change is expected to remain in effect as long as the Government of
British Columbia determines it is needed to address the COVID-19
pandemic.
Originally published 05 May 2020
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