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Employees

Last updated on December 5, 2024

Employees are the heart and soul of many small businesses. This page provides more on hiring employees, the B.C. Employment Standards Act, and certifications your staff may be required to have.

The Employment Standards Act

In B.C., the Employment Standards Act sets out the minimum standards that apply in most workplaces in British Columbia. The Act provides guidelines for:

  • Minimum wage;
  • Paydays and payroll records;
  • Overtime;
  • Vacation time;
  • Leave entitlements; and
  • Notice or payment when an employee is terminated.

For more information, see A Guide to the Employment Standards Act.

 

Hiring employees

Go2hr provides employer resources for job posting and training, with a focus on the tourism and hospitality industry in B.C.

 

WorkSafeBC

Businesses that hire workers (full-time, part-time, casual or contract) are required by law to register with WorkSafeBC.

When you're covered by WorkSafeBC insurance, you're protected against lawsuits from injured workers. If a worker is injured or contracts an occupational disease while on the job during the course of employment, WorkSafeBC covers the worker's medical and wage-loss costs.

Visit the WorkSafeBC site to learn more about the benefits of coverage and your obligations as an employer.

Complete your registration at WorkSafeBC Register your business page.

 

Anti-bullying requirements 

As an employer, you are required by WorkSafeBC to take reasonable steps to prevent or minimize workplace bullying and harassment.

To assist you in understanding these legal requirements, WorkSafeBC has launched a bullying and harassment prevention tool kit, which includes a handbook, fact sheets, videos, training tools and customizable templates.

 

Employee certifications

Depending on the type of restaurant you have, your employees may be required to have the following certifications:

  • FOODSAFE: when the certified operator is absent from the restaurant during operation, at least one other employee present in the establishment must have FOODSAFE certification.
  • Serving it Right: required for employees who handle and serve liquor.