The province has relaxed the rules somewhat for employers who've had to reduce their workforces due to COVID-19.

This morning, the B.C. government announced that the temporary layoff period under the Employment Standards Act has been extended from 13 to 16 weeks if the employee agrees over any 20-week period if the layoffs were related to the pandemic.

After 16 weeks, the classification changes to "permanent layoff", which means workers must be given written working notice of termination and/or severance pay.

Last month, the B.C. government announced that workers could take unpaid, job-protected leave if they couldn't work due to COVID-19.

In addition, the province has changed the Employment Standards Act to allow for up to three days of unpaid, job-protected leave for those who can't work due to illness or injury.