Hudson’s Bay Layoffs: Understanding Your Employment Rights

On January 17, 2025, Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) announced the layoff of 41 employees as part of efforts to revamp the retailer’s structure. Charla Parkinson, a spokesperson for the Toronto-based department store chain, confirmed the staffing cuts in an email to CTV News, citing “challenging headwinds” in the retail industry as the driving factor behind the decision. While Parkinson acknowledged that the layoffs were a difficult decision, she emphasized that they were necessary to address the ongoing challenges facing the company. (CTV News)

This follows layoffs in April 2024, when Hudson’s Bay laid off fewer than 100 employees, representing about 1% of its workforce. The company described these earlier layoffs as part of a “realignment” to ensure long-term success amid pressures in the Canadian retail sector. According to CityNews Toronto, the retailer had also conducted two rounds of corporate layoffs in 2023, eliminating 250 positions in January and another 250 later that year, citing heavy economic pressures in the retail industry. (CityNews Toronto)

The retailer had also carried out an unspecified number of cuts in the summer of 2024 as its parent company, HBC, prepared to spin out some of its brands into a new entity, Saks Global. In November 2024, Hudson’s Bay announced it would not proceed with plans to operate a store at the redeveloped Oakridge Park in Vancouver. (CTV News)

Layoffs Spark Concern Among Hudson’s Bay Employees

Employees affected by these layoffs have expressed concerns about their job prospects in an already strained retail job market. The recent workforce reductions highlight the uncertainty many employees face as Hudson’s Bay continues to adapt to the evolving retail landscape.

For those impacted, understanding your rights under Canadian employment law is essential. Whether you were affected in the April 2024 layoffs or the most recent round, you may be entitled to severance pay and additional protections.

Hudson’s Bay Corporate Changes: What You Need to Know

In April 2024, Hudson’s Bay announced a realignment of its operations, resulting in layoffs of fewer than 100 employees. This decision was part of the company’s efforts to ensure long-term success amid external pressures. The retail giant has since faced additional challenges, leading to the January 2025 layoffs of 41 employees.

These adjustments reflect the broader difficulties within the retail sector, including shifting consumer preferences, inflationary pressures, and economic headwinds. While no specific restructuring announcements accompanied the latest layoffs, they underscore the company’s ongoing efforts to remain competitive and sustainable.

Severance Packages for Hudson’s Bay Employees

If you’ve been laid off, you are likely entitled to severance pay. In Canada, severance is calculated based on several factors, including:

  • Length of service
  • Age
  • Position held
  • Availability of similar employment in the market

It’s important to carefully review severance offers, as they often fall short of what employees are legally entitled to under Canadian employment law.

Potential Issues with Layoff Notices

Employees should assess whether their layoff notices comply with employment law requirements. Common issues include:

  • Inadequate notice periods
  • Improper classification of terminations (e.g., being placed on “temporary layoff” without recall)
  • Severance offers that do not align with legal entitlements

If your notice or severance package appears inadequate, you may have grounds to challenge it.

Wrongful Dismissal and Hudson’s Bay Layoffs

Were you laid off without sufficient notice or fair compensation? If so, you may have a claim for wrongful dismissal. This can apply if your termination was mishandled or your severance package does not meet your entitlements. Our legal team has extensive experience representing employees in similar situations, often securing compensation beyond initial offers.

How Monkhouse Law Can Help

At Monkhouse Law, we specialize in employment law and are committed to assisting employees affected by layoffs. We offer:

  • Free 30-minute phone consultations to assess your case
  • Negotiation services to secure fair severance packages
  • Representation in wrongful dismissal claims

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been impacted by Hudson’s Bay layoffs, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Employees may be entitled to severance pay or could have grounds for a wrongful dismissal claim if their termination was handled improperly. Monkhouse Law specializes in employment law and can assist in reviewing severance packages, negotiating fair compensation, and pursuing wrongful dismissal claims.

Schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation with Monkhouse Law today to understand your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

    Free Consultation

    Terminated employees can call us for a free 30-minute phone consultation with a licensed legal professional at 416-907-9249 or submit a callback request.


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