When a business is selling less of its products or services, it usually makes less money or loses money. In such times, the business may cut back on how much it produces. This often means fewer workers are required. Some workers may be “laid off” as a result of the “cutbacks” or “downsizing” of the company.The loss of jobs may be temporary or permanent depending on how well the company does thereafter.
Canada’s unemployment rate represents the percentage of people in the labour force (those 15 years of age and older) who want to work, are looking for work, but cannot find a job. Learn more According to Statistics Canada, in February 2013 there were 8,556,800 men 25 and over in Canada’s labour force, and 7,628,700 women 25 and over, and 2,843,400 youth ages 15 to 24.The unemployment rate for men was 6%, and for women 5.7% and for youth 13.6%.
Anyone who wishes to is free to try to start a business in Canada so long as it fits within the laws and regulations that govern business activity. Starting a business is not easy, but it can be very rewarding. It is important to have experience and to understand what will be involved. A business needs a good business plan and enough money to support it.A business must also provide a product or service that enough people will want to buy so that the business can make a profit. Learn more
When a business experiences a difficult period, it may need fewer workers.At such times, it may lay off workers.This means the workers may come back if or when things improve.The business may also give severance to workers if the job is over permenantly.Visit DayPlanner web site – Link #174 for more information.
For “regulated” occupations, you will need to have your credentials recognized.This can take time. If so, you may need to find a job in a non-regulated profession while you wait.The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) (www.cicic.ca) and the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) both provide information on Canada’s regulated professions. (www.credentials.gc.ca)
An entrepreneur is a person who identifies a product or service that is needed and starts a business to provide that product or service. Successful entrepreneurs are usually those who love what they do, have a strong desire to accomplish personal goals, are good team builders, and are willing to work hard. Entrepreneurs often help to increase and improve jobs, competition, quality, and incomes in their communities. Are you a prospective entrepreneur? See page 234 to learn more about the characteristics of an entrepreneur. Learn more.
Usually when a worker is “fired without cause,” “let go,” “dismissed,” or “laid off” without notice, the worker will receive severance pay of some amount.The amount will usually depend on how long the worker has been employed at the company. The money is given to help the worker through the initial period of unemployment. Notice periods and severance pay are issues that are determined by provincial or territorial labour legislation. In some instances, individuals can appeal severance, either through a labour tribunal or through a challenge in the courts.
New to Canada? We can help you succeed. Learn how to put your skills and knowledge to work faster, visit www.cic.gc.ca/new
Small and medium-sized businesses are the most common in Canada and create many new jobs.That is why governments try to encourage and assist new business startups. There are programs to help people develop skills, develop business plans, and obtain money to start up a business. See page 234 for some of the key organizations that try to help new entrepreneurs. Learn more
Many employers will hire workers for a probationary period. During this time, the employee will work to show if he or she can do the job effectively. At the end of the probationary period, the employee will usually either be offered a permanent job or be let go. A typical probation period is about three months. Often an employee will not receive “benefits” until after the probationary period is over.