The challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic and economic challenges have prompted the Ontario government to once again extend protection to prevent temporary layoffs from automatically becoming permanent job losses until January 2, 2021.

Previously, the Ontario government had suspended the effect of temporary layoff provisions until September 4, 2020, deeming all non-unionized employees laid off from work to be on emergency leave.

Until January 2, 2021  employers benefit from extended maximum temporary layoff periods without fear of having to pay out significant termination and severance pay, giving some businesses the chance to regroup and be financially viable.  Employees will also benefit from continued job protected leave until at least January 2, 2021, and not be deemed terminated.

This announcement also included an extension of job protected Infectious Disease Emergency Leave for parents who believe it is still unsafe to send their children to school.

With the frequent changes related to COVID-19, both employers and employees need to understand their rights. If you are unsure how Ontario’s Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 affects you, contact Hum Law Today.