Hiring employees

Explain workplace standards

Employers need to clearly communicate to employees what their rights are for working in B.C. They should do so by posting and sharing the information in these documents:

• Working in B.C. poster (PDF, 199.7KB)
• Working in B.C. info sheet (PDF, 181.3KB)

The Foreign Workers info sheet contains information about the rights of foreign workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act and Regulation. Employers and recruiters need to share this information with foreign workers they hire or recruit.

• Foreign workers infosheet (PDF, 79.8KB)

Employers should also communicate the specific terms and conditions of employment in writing. A job description is not required, but it can help new employees know what is expected of them.

No false information about wages or employment conditions

Employers are not allowed to misrepresent an employment offer to convince potential employees to work for them.

They also cannot pay an employee less than the wage agreed upon, even if the employee isn't performing as well as expected. In these situations, employers may choose to end employment.

Young people

Before you employ anyone under the age of 16, there are special rules you must follow.

The rules and process for hiring young people changed on October 15, 2021. Find out more about the child employment permit process.

• Hiring young people
• Forms for employing young people

Using an employment agency

Anyone who is paid to recruit employees must be licensed by the provincial government. A licence is not required for agencies that recruit for only one employer. Agencies must not ask for payment from people looking for work.

• Information for employment agencies
• Licensed employment agencies (PDF)

Domestic workers

To hire a domestic worker you need to:

• Have a written employment agreement
• Register with the Employment Standards Branch within 30 days of the worker starting

Find out how to meet the requirements for hiring domestic workers.

Farm labour workers

Farm labour contractors provide workers to plant, cultivate or harvest agricultural products. Farm labour contractors must be licensed in B.C. Even though they may work for different farms, the workers are the employees of the farm labour contractor.

• Information for Agriculture Workers & Employers

Temporary foreign workers

Starting in the fall 2019, employers who want to hire temporary foreign workers will need to be registered with the provincial government.

• Information for employers of temporary foreign workers

Silviculture workers

A silviculture worker is hired to help with reforestation – the process of replanting an area with trees (commonly referred to as a tree planter).

• Information for silviculture workers and employers