Paid and Deemed Infectious Disease Emergency Leaves Set to Expire
July 15, 2022
After a series of extensions, deemed infectious disease emergency leave (“deemed IDEL”) will expire on July 30, 2022, and paid infectious disease emergency leave (“paid IDEL”) is set to expire on July 31, 2022.
Deemed IDEL Recap
Subject to certain exceptions, the Ontario government instituted temporary relief from Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”) termination and severance provisions during the COVID-19 period (March 1, 2020 – July 30, 2022). As per the amendments during the COVID-19 period, non-unionized employees are deemed to be on unpaid IDEL when they are not performing the duties of their position because their employer temporarily reduces or temporarily eliminates their hours of work for reasons related in whole, or in part, to COVID-19.
Paid IDEL Recap
On April 29, 2021, the Ontario Government amended the ESA to require employers to provide employees with up to three days of paid IDEL for certain reasons related to COVID-19. This entitlement is in addition to employees’ rights to unpaid infectious disease emergency leave.
Takeaway
Without any further extension announced by the Ontario government, both paid and deemed IDEL are in their final weeks and employers and employees should prepare accordingly.
Should you have any questions regarding these requirements or any other employment related matters, please contact a member of Koskie Minsky’s Employment Law Group.
Expertise
Employment Law
