What To Do If You’re Let Go From Your Job?

You may never have imagined that this would happen to you but now it has.  You have been fired from your job.  The question of what to do if you’re let go from your job may be top of mind.  If your employment has ended in Ontario for reasons outside your own control, do not despair, you have more power than you think! Here are the top things to consider if you’ve been terminated:

1. Compile your documentation – Often, the terms of your employment will be governed by various documents which may provide guidance on your entitlements on termination. This may include:
   1. An employment contract
   2. Termination letter
   3. Stock option plans
   4. Benefit and bonus plans.

2. Consider your facts – Was your experience during employment positive or negative? Whether you experienced discrimination or harassment during your time with the employer could impact a potential claim. You should ask yourself:
   1. Did you ever feel discriminated against at work based on your age, gender, disability etc.?
   2. Have you recently taken a leave?
   3. Did you ever feel you experienced harassment or bullying?
   4. Did you ever make a complaint during your time about potential discrimination, harassment or bullying in the workplace?
   5. When did you experience any of the above and/or make a complaint?
   6. If so, did the employer ever address the complaints? If so, what did they do?

If you answered yes to any of the above, continue to gather any documents in support of these facts.

3. Consult a lawyer – Once you’ve evaluated all applicable documentation it is best practice to have a lawyer review the circumstances of your employment and dismissal to outline any potential entitlements, claims and ensure you’ve been treated fairly.
4. Consider Next Steps – Depending on the circumstances there may be a few routes you can take including:
   1. Negotiating an improved severance package
   2. Bringing a claim under various employment standards legislations including the Ontario Employment Standards Act, Canada Labour Code, Ontario Human Rights Code.

You should now have a better idea of what to do if you’re let go from your job? However, when it comes to knowing your rights prior to and during a termination around your specific situation, speaking with an experienced employment lawyer is imperative to help you understand your rights and legal options. Whitten & Lublin can help. Contact us online or by phone at (416) 640-2667.

Author – Sophie Teversham

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