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Labour & Employment Law Blog

Court makes pronouncement on impact of COVID-19 on job loss

  • 2 minute read
  • COVID-19
Arthur Zeilikman

Arthur Zeilikman

Court makes pronouncement on impact of COVID-19 on job loss

We have stated on prior occasions that, in the absence of a contractual term stating otherwise, a dismissed employee may be entitled to reasonable notice of termination at common law or pay in lieu thereof. To determine how long the notice should be, courts will usually look at the employee’s age, length of service, character of employment and the prospect of obtaining alternative employment in the future.

It has been on the mind of many employment lawyers as to what impact COVID-19 will have on assessing an employee’s entitlements to notice and the employer’s commensurate obligations in that regard.  The case of Yee v. Hudson’s Bay Company, 2021 ONSC 387, provides one of the first legal pronouncements on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the length of reasonable notice the employee should get prior to being dismissed or the “pay in lieu” an employee will be entitled to if inadequate notice (or no notice) is provided.

According to Justice Dow, “the COVID pandemic and its effect on employment opportunities should not attract the same consideration as termination after the beginning of the COVID pandemic and its negative effect on finding comparable employment.” Citing an earlier decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal, Justice Dow followed the principle that what constitutes reasonable notice of termination should be determined by the circumstances existing at the time when the employee is terminated and not by the length of time it actually takes the employee to find employment.

Our Thoughts

The Yee v. Hudson’s Bay Company decision is likely to be one of many decisions in a growing body of jurisprudence in relation to the pandemic’s role in employment dismissals. Although the common law is known for making only incremental changes, courts have also been receptive to considering various factors in the assessment of what constitutes a reasonable notice of termination. Thus, as the Canadian economy continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, it is likely that courts will continue to incorporate the role of COVID-19 as part of their analysis of what constitutes reasonable notice of termination. For now, this recent decision means that if you were terminated before COVID-19 was a meaningful reality, the pandemic will not be a factor in assessing the type of notice you should have received at the time when your employment ended.

The above article is for general information purposes only, does not constitute legal advice or create a solicitor-client relationship. Because each case is unique and factually driven, if you have concerns with regard to the foregoing issues, please make an appointment with one of our lawyers or a qualified legal practitioner elsewhere. We represent clients in the Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, North York, Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, Newmarket, Aurora, Brampton, Mississauga, Barrie, Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa.

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Legal Receptionist

Zeilikman Law is an employment law firm located in Vaughan, Ontario. We are looking to hire a legal receptionist to join our firm. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working as a receptionist at another law firm.

Location: Vaughan, Ontario.

Start Date: Immediately.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Full time. In-person only. This is not a remote work position.

Wages: 35,000 to 40,000 per year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage our firm’s multi-line telephone system to receive incoming calls.  Screen incoming telephone call inquiries to determine the nature of the telephone call and provide standard information related to our legal services.  Take and deliver messages and route incoming telephone calls to the appropriate staff person.
  • Answer general inquiries coming from the firm’s social media and website email.
  • Welcome in-person visitors upon arrival.  Direct visitors to the appropriate staff person and / or office or boardroom.
  • Organize in-person visitor schedule to prevent overlap and multiple bookings.
  • Receive, sort, and distribute daily mail and deliveries.
  • Arrange for couriers.
  • Keep front reception, kitchenette area and boardroom tidy.
  • Perform various clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and faxing on an as-needed basis.
  • Process client or other payments.
  • May be asked to run minor errands outside of office such as attending post office to arrange a courier or pick up mail.
  • May be asked to assist other law clerks or lawyers of the firm as required and as appropriate.
  • Any other basic administrative duties or tasks as deemed appropriate.

Required Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of general office procedures including filing, faxing, and printing and copying.
  • Basic word processing computer skills.
  • Proficient in receptionist and telephone practices, etiquette, and decorum.
  • Professional attitude and appearance.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Positive customer service attitude is a must.
  • Must be able to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Education and Experience:

  • Highschool diploma or equivalent.
  • 1 – 2 years’ experience in an office setting with an emphasis in accounting, reception or clerical work is required.   We would prefer experience in a law firm environment.

Applications for this position should be sent via email to jennifer@zeilikmanlaw.com. All applications should include a cover letter, resume and at least two references. Only successful candidates will be contacted.