QUESTION
An employee’s entitlement to severance is to say the least, at the discretion of the employer. But this is not a point blank answer, as there are many factors that play into effect. Where an employee is terminated and not offered severance, but asked to work until the end of employment, is an employer legally permitted to do this?
ANSWER
Entitlement to Severance
Toronto employment lawyer, Daniel Lublin most recently wrote his response in his latest Globe and Mail article. He states that this is in fact, legal. Employers have the right to choose between offering the employee payment in light of notice or providing working notice.  This concept is known as reasonable working notice of termination. In this circumstance, the employer is entitled, by law, to ask the employee to remain at work and carry out their job until the last date of employment.
Wrongful Dismissal
If your employer has specified an end date, and the working conditions and your pay remain the same, then it is legal to ask you to work until the last day of your employment. Although, if you believe that you were wrongfully dismissed, you should contact an employment lawyer immediately to help you with your case.
Read Daniel Lublin’s Globe and Mail column and full article I have to work through my severance. Is this legal?