Lush Cosmetics lays off staff, scales down Vancouver operation

Cosmetics brand Lush says it is laying off staff as it scales down operations at its Vancouver facilities. 

Amanda Caruso, a spokesperson for the U.K.-based brand, refused to say how many workers will lose their jobs as part of cuts to the company's Canadian footprint, citing privacy concerns.

However, she confirmed the scale-down will mean closing a B.C. woodshop run by the brand, and manufacturing operations in Vancouver will be shifted to Toronto.

Caruso said the moves are meant to deliver operational efficiency and ensure the long-term success of the brand.

She said the changes won't cause any immediate impacts to Lush shops, its online store or its app services, and says some staff will be relocated or transitioned to new roles.

The changes are expected to be complete by Feb. 26, 2025, she said.

CBC News has asked the Workers United Canada Council, which lists the Global Lush Union as an affiliate, for comment. 

Meanwhile, Adrienne Wensel, an associate lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, told CBC News that multiple non-unionized employees from Lush have reached out since the middle of last week to have their termination packages reviewed. She declined to provide specific details about how many have contacted the firm or whether anyone qualifies for a claim.

She says a company is allowed to terminate employees without cause when it's shutting down or restructuring operations, though they could get up to 24 months of severance pay, depending on various factors such as seniority and their position. 

"The key question is whether the employees are given enough severance," Wensel said. 

"I just really encourage people to seek out information to better understand what their legal rights might be. There can be a lot of money on the table."