Losing your job & wrongful dismissal
Last reviewed March 2024 by the Clicklaw editors
You may have been laid off or decided to quit your job. The end of employment can be a challenging and sensitive process for both employers and employees. This is especially true if you disagree about your final obligations to each other, such as unpaid wages. If you think you were wrongfully dismissed, you need to know what recourse you can take.
Explore the links below to reliable online guides and tools and to organizations in BC. They have been chosen by librarians at Courthouse Libraries BC.
Selected resources
Employment Standards: Quitting, Getting Fired or Laid Off
Employment Standards Branch (Government of BC)
Information about termination of employment for both employees and employers as it applies under the Employment Standards Act. Includes information about paying final wages, giving written notices, paying compensation, group terminations, just cause, layoffs, and changes to employment conditions.
Last reviewed March 2024
If You Are Fired
People’s Law School
Explains when being fired is against the law, and whether employment standards law applies to you. It covers being fired when you’ve done nothing wrong, and being fired for “just cause.” It explains you’re entitled to all outstanding wages, and explains the steps you can take if you are fired.
Last reviewed March 2024
If You Quit Your Job
People’s Law School
Explains that quitting your job voluntarily affects your legal rights to things like employment insurance benefits and compensation you are owed. Learn your rights if you quit, and what steps you can take to protect yourself. Includes information about employment contracts, giving notice, outstanding wages, constructive dismissal, and more.
Last reviewed March 2024
Leaving a Job
People’s Law School
Practical, step-by-step information on your legal rights and options if you get fired or laid off. Topics include if you are fired, how much notice an employer needs to give you, getting laid off, if your employer has made big changes to your job, and applying for employment insurance.
Last reviewed March 2024
Solution Explorer: Small Claims
Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)
The Solution Explorer is the first step in the online Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) process, with free legal information and self-help tools. You can apply to the CRT for small claims dispute resolution right from the Solution Explorer.
Last reviewed March 2024
Guide to the Employment Standards Act and Regulation
Government of British Columbia
Searchable online guide to help you understand the law and your rights. The topics covered include hiring, wages, special clothing, records and gratuities, hours of work and overtime, children’s employment, stat holidays and pay, leaves, annual vacation, termination (layoffs), investigations and complaints, enforcements, tribunals, and appeals.
Last reviewed March 2024
LSLAP Manual: Employment Law
Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter on employment law is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It provides an overview of the law relating to employment standards, wages and overtime, leaves of absence, termination of employment, and wrongful dismissal.
Last reviewed September 2024