Under the Employment Standards Act, an employer may temporarily lay off an employee for a period not exceeding 13 weeks (in a period of 20 consecutive weeks). However, if the employer continues to make payments on behalf of an employee (e.g., continuing benefit premiums), then a temporary layoff can last up to 35 weeks within a 52-week period. An employer should advise an employee, preferably in writing, about the effective date for the temporary layoff and, if possible, the expected date of return. According to the legislation, employers are not required to provide termination pay or severance pay during the temporary layoff period.