Add Comment Question: Not a termination question, but I hope this forum can help me find possible ways to go ... I am a full time employee and have worked for my current employer for 6 years. The company allows employees to take a long extended unpaid sabbaticals, and I took a 1-year unpaid leave. I returned to work at the end of my leave, and the company refused to reinstate my extended health benefits because of "non payment". I was not in Canada during my leave, and did not need the insurance. As such, it was my choice and my understanding that the benefits would stop when I start my leave, unless I decided to pay for these out of my pocket. Potential denial of benefits for not paying during my leave was never mentioned in the leave of absence contract, nor in any other HR documents I found. Not having protection for health, dental and life is critical for me and my family. Does anyone have an advice based on personal experience or working on such a case as a lawyer? Answer: Hello, If your employer is refusing to reinstate your benefits, this may amount to a constructive dismissal. In such a case, your employer hasn't explicitly terminated you but have indicated by their actions that they no longer wish to employ you. When that happens, you are entitled to you full severance even if you quit. You only have a short time to decide whether you will accept the change to your working conditions or quit and pursue your severance. If you decide to pursue your severance, it is important to speak to one of our lawyers first to ensure you do things correctly. Regards, Lluc Cerda Lawyer Your Comment * Your Email * Your Name * Your City Note, your name, city and email is not displayed on the website. It is used to notify you that we have approved your comment.