The aftershock of the novel Coronavirus pandemic is largely unprecedented, and businesses are among the most highly affected sectors. As we are still amid Covid-19, some steps can be taken to prepare your business for what is to follow. Our business lawyers in Brampton have crafted specialized advice for your business to thrive despite the pandemic. We are available for consultation through the methods listed below if you should require any legal advice on managing your business.

The key considerations for operating a successful business are: 

• Working from home/remote operations – Abiding by special safety and social distancing regulations, it is most prudent to conduct your business by working from home but staying connected online.

• There are a great number of features available to ensure smooth remote working such as video call software, cloud storage to make data accessible to all, and joint online working through documents or spreadsheets. Even if you are permitted to meet a business client in person taking all the necessary precautions, it is wise to conduct the meeting through online resources. 

• Essential travel only – If travel is essential and is permitted, you can formulate a work travel policy that fits your business’s requirements, and it would not be amiss to require self-isolation if your employees or partners have traveled recently, especially if the locations have been classified as high-risk. 

• Sick leave policies – Please elucidate your business’s sick leave policies to your employees to give them a clear idea of the options available to them. If paid sick leave is available, employees are more likely to avail it, thus leading to greater health safety in the workplace. If the sick leave is unpaid, we will be happy to advise on how to avail government-funded benefits for sick leave, as the waiting period of one week has currently been waived. Even if an employee’s sick leave claim might seem unfounded, it would be smart to seek a legal opinion before escalating to disciplinary action.

• Temporary layoffs – If your business cannot support as many employees in light of the diminished economy, you can consider temporary layoffs. One important thing to consider is under the Employment Standards Act of Ontario; your employee must have signed a contract agreeing to be temporarily laid off if the situation ever calls for it. If this contract has not been signed, the layoff counts as a full termination of employment and creates a complex situation. Our team of business lawyers in Brampton are well-versed in employment law and will be happy to advise you on the most suitable layoffs to make the process as painless as possible. 

Now that you have kept these structural changes into consideration, the next question is how to carry out your business’s contractual obligations and ensure as much normalcy in operations as possible. This will be especially difficult if your business concerns travel or mass gatherings, but we will list general steps to be taken. 

• Enforcing a force majeure clause – This clause essentially exists to free you from your contractual obligations if the performance of the contract is rendered impossible due to unforeseen circumstances—commonly known as an ‘act of god’ if your business does indeed concern obligations affected by the pandemic, consult us for advice on how to invoke your force majeure clause included in your contract. In the absence of such a clause, we will discuss the general termination of your contract and what will entail you. 

• Communication about policies – You must let your clients and employees know of your business’s stance on operations during the pandemic, and the policies you have developed. Health and wellness policies, enforcement of special pandemic precautions such as check-ups or mask requirements, or extended cancellation periods will help maintain trust in your business in these trying times. 

• Insurance – This is an ideal time to review your business insurance coverage to help you get through this period. For example, if you have insurance that specifically covers losses suffered due to cancellation of contracts, that will help you plan for the future. Our Brampton business lawyers offer insurance assessment and associated risk assessment services if you require them. 

• Assessment – You must thoroughly evaluate your business’s nature and structure to identify issues in cash flow or supply chain management along with any contingency plans you might need to execute or essential employees whose services will be indispensable in the period of crisis. A clear plan of action will help your business survive and thrive.

Finally, we hope to tell you a bit about us and our suitability as being among the best Brampton business lawyers to offer you all the support you will need. 

We offer world-class legal services right at your doorstep in Brampton.  We advise clients who range from big multi-national corporations to small business and regulatory bodies, from government entities to investment banks, from the private sector to the public sector. 

We have developed extensive knowledge in all aspects of corporate and business law mentioned below by keeping ourselves updated on the current business trends, and developments in legislation and relevant regulations. 

In the pandemic, we have committed to personal safety, so all associates work from home and are available via email, phone, and video call. 

We have built a family with our clients. We strive to better ourselves with every interaction to give them the best possible legal representation, which includes cultivating further knowledge of international business law to accommodate client interests all around the globe. 

As your legal representative, we will bring strong communication and negotiation skills along with the ability to think creatively, work hard, pay attention to detail, and display analytical skills in all our interactions with you. 

We realize the importance of working with other teams, especially in complicated transactions. So we have stressed resource management, development of interpersonal skills, and value compromise and flexibility in our line of work to not compromise with achieving the quality you expect from us.

In summary, we will offer you: 

• Specialized lawyers since we have attorneys for every aspect of business law ranging from M&A to taxation to employment 
• Years of experience 
• Tight-knit working relationship 
• 24/7 availability through our online contact channels
• Dedicated teams to prioritize your case 

If you are looking for business lawyers near you in Brampton, allow us to represent your best interests. Our extensive experience in this field will ensure that you obtain the best possible legal advice.