COVID-19: Can My Employer Lay me Off?

In most workplaces an employer has no legal right to temporarily lay an employee off or to reduce their salary. The only exception to this would be if you have a written employment agreement that states that the employer may reduce your hours, reduce your pay, or lay you off. Most contracts have no such clause. They are the exception, rather than the rule. Any major change can result in a constructive dismissal claim by the employee, which must be carefully considered.