What must employers do when they lay off employees?

In the context of Canadian Employment Law, when employers decide to lay off employees, they are required to provide proper notice or pay in lieu of notice. This legal requirement ensures that employees have time to prepare for the transition and find new employment opportunities or are compensated during the period of notice.

Employers must adhere to the minimum notice periods outlined in the Employment Standards Act, which vary based on the length of the employee's service. If the employer opts to provide pay in lieu of notice instead of actual notice, they must compensate the employee for an equivalent period of wages they would have earned had they continued working during the notice period.

This requirement is in place to provide a level of protection and fairness to employees, allowing them a more secure exit from their positions. Failure to comply with this regulation can lead to legal repercussions for the employer, reinforcing the importance of following the correct procedures during layoffs.