New program includes part- and full-time workers, offers reimbursement for employers
CBC News | Posted: May 11, 2021
B.C. is going to start giving all workers in the province up to three days of paid sick leave if they have to miss work due to COVID-19, the province has announced.
The new program includes part- and full-time workers who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, who need time off to self-isolate or who are waiting for a test result.
A statement said employers will be required to pay workers their full wages. For employers without an existing sick-leave program, the government has promised to reimburse up to $200 per day for each absent worker.
WorkSafeBC will begin administering the reimbursements on the government’s behalf in June.
“This means workers won’t lose pay when they feel unwell, hard-hit businesses will get the support they need and, together, we will stop the spread of this virus,” said Labour Minister Harry Bains.