There are new rules for employment insurance. Here's what you need to know

The employment insurance system is set for another round of pandemic-related changes that come into force on Sunday.

EI applicants need to have worked a minimum number of hours to qualify for benefits. In the past, that number has been about 600 hours, although the number varied in different parts of the country based on local labour market conditions.

Many workers have had their hours cut during the pandemic, meaning they may not have worked enough hours to qualify.

Over the last year, all new EI applicants received a one-time hours top-up to help them qualify, but that disappears on Sunday. In its place will be a uniform requirement to have worked 420 hours.

The uniform hours requirement will be in place for one year, until Sept. 24, 2022.