November 28,2025
RED FM News Desk
Workers dealing with a serious illness or injury can now take up to 27 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave within a 12-month period to receive medical care and focus on recovery.
Recent changes to B.C.’s Employment Standards Act have taken effect, strengthening job protections for employees covered by the act who are unable to work for at least seven consecutive days because of a significant illness or injury.
To qualify, employees must provide a medical certificate from a doctor or nurse practitioner confirming they are unable to work for medical reasons and specifying the required leave dates. Employers are required to ensure eligible staff can take this unpaid, job-protected leave.
The Employment Standards Branch has updated its public resources, including a guide explaining how the new leave works and helping employers adjust their workplace policies. Links are available in the Learn More section.
This update aligns B.C.’s protections with those in other Canadian jurisdictions and complements the federal Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits program.
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