Administration
Doctor’s Notes: When Should An Employer Ask For One?
Is it OK to ask employees for a doctor’s note if they are off work due to illness? Do you have to wait a certain number of days before you can ask for a doctor’s note?
Canada Revenue Agency: Payroll and Your Business
Setting up payroll can be confusing for small- or medium-sized businesses. Employers must make deductions from amounts paid to employees, report them on the applicable slips and send the payments to Revenue Canada.
Appeal Processes
The Employment Standards Tribunal is an independent body from the Employment Standards Branch. The Branch is an investigative body, whereas the Tribunal is an adjudicative/judicial body. Employers or employees who are dissatisfied with determinations made at the Branch level may appeal to the Tribunal.
Compassionate Care Leave
As of May 2018, the entitlement to unpaid compassionate care leave in BC has increased from eight weeks to 27 weeks (six months).
Bereavement Leave
Section 53 provides that employees are entitled to up to three days of unpaid leave on the death of a member of the employee’s immediate family.
Termination of Employment, Notice and Pay in Lieu of Notice
Upon the termination of employment, an employee is entitled to notice or payment in lieu of notice. Employers must be aware of their obligations. A failure to comply with the minimum notice standards under the Employment Standards Act can lead to further, increased damages against you.
Who is Covered By the ESA
The Employment Standards Act (ESA) governs the employment relationship between most employers and employees in BC. However, there are important exceptions with which you should become familiar.
Administrative Structure
The Employment Standards Branch, the Director of Employment Standards and the Employment Standards Tribunal are the agencies responsible for the administration of the Employment Standards Act.
Termination Without Cause: Determining Reasonable Notice
An employee is entitled to a certain amount of notice (or pay in lieu of notice) when their employment is terminated without cause. Terminating an employee without just cause can be complex. Employers should be careful in making determinations about the amount of notice provided to a terminated employee in order to avoid claims for wrongful dismissal.
Absenteeism: Have the Presence of Mind to Control It
When you have an employee, there is an inherent agreement between the two of you. It states that the employee will come to work when scheduled and perform specific tasks to satisfaction. As the employer, you will provide safe working conditions and pay fairly for their labour. Whether written in a contract or not, this agreement constitutes an obligation that both parties must adhere to. Each must respect the other and fulfil the terms that have been agreed upon. Often, an employee who is dissatisfied with their place of work, or feeling over-worked or under-appreciated, will start missing shifts or arriving late on a regular basis.