This program is designed to avoid layoffs by allowing a group of employees to work reduced hours and share their available work. The program provides EI benefits to the eligible employees who agree to the work sharing program. Work sharing (WS) agreements are made between Service Canada and employers, employees (and their unions, if applicable).
Prior to COVID-19, employers were requested to send their Work-Sharing application (and supporting documentation) 30 calendar days prior to their requested start date. Due to COVID-19, this has been reduced to only 10 calendar days. In addition, Service Canada aims to reduce their processing time to 10 or fewer days.
To apply for the Work-Sharing program, employers must submit:
For Ontario based businesses, send your application to [email protected]
Effective March 15, 2020 to March 14, 2021, here are a few more special Work-Sharing temporary measures to support employers and workers affected by COVID-19:
For more information on the EI Work Sharing program, please visit this page and click on Work-Sharing Program. You can also view this PDF version of a Powerpoint presentation from Service Canada outlining the program.
Learn all about the CERB – a $2,000 a month taxable benefit paid for up to 16 weeks for workers who lose their income, but not necessarily their job, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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