New online application for temporary layoff extensions in B.C.
Posted August 13, 2020 1:04 pm.
Last Updated August 13, 2020 1:08 pm.
VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — The province introduced a new online application process Thursday to extend temporary layoffs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The application deadline or employees and employers who need to extend temporary layoffs is two weeks away.
Businesses requiring an extension should apply for a variance using the Employment Standards Branch’s new online application by Aug. 25, says the province.
“While more and more businesses are reopening, we know there are still some businesses that won’t be able to recall staff back to work by the end of August,” Harry Bains, minister of Labour, says in a release.
“This new variance process will help maintain the link between employers and workers, so that when businesses are able to scale up their reopening, they have the skilled and experienced workers ready to resume their jobs – but only if the deadline is not missed.”
Labour Min @HarryBainsSN reminding employers (& employees) there’s only another couple weeks to apply to extend temporary layoffs. Says it will save employers big money in severance & keep skilled workers ready to come back as with the economic recovery#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/zWVQMYDaHu
— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) August 13, 2020
Last month, the Ministry of Labour launched a simplified variance application process to help businesses navigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic more easily.
The redesigned process replaces paper-based applications, allows all documents to be sent by email, and reduces the burden on employers and employees by providing the templates and tools needed to apply.
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In order to receive a variance, an employer must survey employees eligible for an extension to their temporary layoff and the business must ensure it has more than 50 per cent support before applying.
The temporary layoff variance process is intended to maintain ongoing relationships between businesses and their employees, while ensuring faster startups when a business is ready to resume operations.
Under B.C.’s Employment Standards Act, temporary layoffs related to COVID-19 can last up to 24 weeks, or until Aug. 30, before the layoff becomes permanent.