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Why You Need a Severance Package Lawyer in Toronto

Termination is an unfortunate aspect of business for every employer. Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that they provide employees with adequate notice, and appropriate remuneration in most circumstances. The laws around severance and termination can be complex, as they are dictated both by employment legislation as well as the common law. Seeking advice from an experienced severance package lawyer in Toronto is key to ensuring that an employer has met their obligations and minimized any risk with respect to claims for wrongful dismissal.

The severance package lawyer at Sultan Lawyers work regularly with employers to provide guidance with respect to severance packages and employee terminations. We will review all of the relevant factors with an employer and assist with designing an individualized package that addresses all legal obligations including legal notice requirements and compensation.

What is severance pay?

Severance pay is remuneration paid to a qualified employee whose employment has been “severed” in order to compensate the employee for their losses, including seniority.

Is severance pay the same as termination pay?

No. Termination pay refers to the statutory minimum notice period under the Employment Standards Act. This compensation is paid upon dismissal in lieu of notice to any employee who was employed for at least three months. Termination pay is equivalent to one week’s pay per year of service. Certain exceptions apply, such as an employee who is terminated for cause.

Severance pay is paid over and above the termination pay amount. For qualifying employees, it is equivalent to an additional week of pay per year of service, prorated for any partial year of employment. Severance pay is capped at 26 weeks.

It is important to note that termination pay, and severance pay will be applied in the following circumstances:

Who qualifies for severance pay?

Not every employee requires severance pay upon termination. Severance pay is aimed at long-term employees, and will only be enforced in the following circumstances:

  1. The employee has worked with the employer for at least 5 years; and
  2. The employer:
    1. has a payroll in Ontario worth at least $2.5 million; or
    2. severed the employment of 50 or more employees in a six-month period because all or part of the business closed permanently.

Our Severance Package Services

Upon termination, the employee will be provided with the severance or termination package and granted a period of time to review and accept the offer. The package will outline the compensation being offered for both termination and severance pay, the continuation of benefits throughout the notice period, and will contain a letter of acceptance for the employee to sign. The letter serves to provide the employee with a full picture of their compensation as well as act as a release, absolving the employer from responsibility for any future claim for wrongful dismissal.

Why Choose Sultan Lawyers as Your Severance Package Lawyer

 Sultan Lawyers  a premier legal practice of employee relations, including workplace immigration law, skilled and  legal professionals well-thought-out legal counsel and advocacy to your . They have an exceptional dedication to upholding your rights and guaranteeing equitable treatment at work. Sultan Lawyer’s expert team of severance package lawyer in Toronto is the most effective choice for people and companies looking for dependable, efficient legal solutions in employment law because of their broad experience, client-focused philosophy, and track record of successfully managing complicated employment and immigration situations.

Contact Our Severance Package Lawyers in Toronto Today

Sultan Lawyers regularly works with employees in order to review severance packages, and with employers on the design of these packages. We will provide guidance to ensure that the employer has met all legal obligations to their employee while protecting themselves from the risk of litigation. Let us review your termination strategy and current severance package offerings in order to ensure that you are meeting all legal requirements. Contact us online or at 416-214-5111 for a consultation.

FAQS

Severance packages, which usually consist of both  and , are awarded to terminated employees.  determined by the employee’s length of service and business regulations.

In general, employees who have been dismissed for cause are not entitled to severance pay. However, if fired without cause, they can be entitled to severance pay based on their employment contract and any applicable legislation.

Typically, a severance package consists of extended benefits, income based on years of service, and unused vacation time. Considerations for the calculation include position, age, tenure, and corporate policy. The package is designed to help workers adjust to life after losing their jobs.

Severance pay received in Canada, when it is part of a specialized package, is also subject to income taxes. If you receive a salary, included in your T4 slip. This severance payout forms part of your taxable income for the year, which might  different tax bracket and   tax you pay.

Severance pay in Canada varies by province and agreement. one to two weeks’ salary for every year of employment, although there may be  variations. The terms are determined by  and provincial regulations.

Severance may delay your benefits but does not automatically disqualify you from EI. Receivables are seen as wages, which could postpone your eligibility for unemployment benefits. You  still be if you meet the other requirements, such as having enough insurable hours and a valid reason for job separation.

Yes, but only under certain conditions. If you haven’t yet accepted or signed the severance offer, the employer may alter the terms. Consulting an employment lawyer helps ensure any changes meet legal requirements and respect your rights.

A severance package typically includes termination pay, extended benefits, outplacement assistance, accrued vacation pay, and sometimes a confidentiality clause. Additional components, like performance bonuses or prorated commissions, may apply. Reviewing your package with a lawyer can clarify its full scope.

The ESA sets minimum requirements for severance and termination pay, based on employment length and company size. It ensures eligible employees receive fair compensation, but you may be entitled to more than the minimum. Legal advice helps maximize your entitlements.

Yes, a lawyer can often negotiate improved terms, especially if the package doesn’t reflect your role or industry standards. Experienced employment lawyers assess your unique situation to help secure a more favourable severance arrangement, potentially increasing your compensation.

Termination pay compensates for notice period loss, while severance pay applies if you’ve worked for five-plus years at a larger company. Severance aims to support long-term employees post-termination, whereas termination pay provides immediate compensation for employment cessation without notice.


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