Effective January 1, 2022, the vast majority of workers in B.C. no longer have to choose between going to work sick or losing wages, as B.C.’s first-ever permanent paid sick leave comes into effect with 5 paid sick days each year. Both full- and part-time employees are eligible for this benefit.
I’m a worker
Effective January 1, 2022, you can take up to 5 days of paid leave per year for any personal illness or injury. Your employer may request reasonably sufficient proof of illness.
This entitlement is in addition to the 3 days of unpaid sick leave currently provided by the Employment Standards Act.
You must have worked with your employer for at least 90 days to be eligible for the paid sick days.
Eligibility
The paid sick leave entitlement applies to all employees covered by the Employment Standards Act (ESA), including part-time, temporary or casual employees.
The ESA doesn’t cover certain types of employees, including:
- Federally-regulated sectors
- Self-employed workers or independent contractors
- Employees in professions and occupations excluded from the ESA
Find out if employment standards apply to you.