If a business and/or workplace is shut down in relation to COVID-19 and a worker is unable to work from home, the employer may choose to trigger a temporary layoff.
It is important to note, however, that on May 29, 2020, the Government of Ontario introduced Ontario Regulation 228/20 – Infectious Disease Emergency Leave. This Regulation automatically converted temporary layoff effected from March 1, 2020, onwards to a job-protected leave.
If you have been informed that your temporary layoff has become permanent or that your employment has been terminated, then you may be entitled to a severance package, even if your employer has temporarily closed in light of Ontario’s order to close.
If you have had your employment terminated or you have been deemed to be on a job-protected leave and want to know your rights, please contact Toronto employment lawyers, Sultan Lawyers at 416-214-5111 or via email at mlahert@sultanlawyers.com.