layoff

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layoff (plural layoffs)

1. (chiefly US) A dismissal of employees from their jobs because of tightened budgetary constraints or work shortage (not due to poor performance or misconduct).
2. A period of time when someone is unavailable for work.
   • 1916 March 11, Charles E. Van Loan, “His Folks”, in Saturday Evening Post‎:

     One of the muscles on the point of the shoulder was torn loose and it didn't need more than a glance to see that Mr. Hickey was in for a long lay-off. He wouldn't pitch again for quite a spell, if ever;

   • 2010 December 29, Sam Sheringham, “Liverpool 0 - 1 Wolverhampton”, in BBC‎:

     But even the return of skipper Steven Gerrard from a six-week injury layoff could not inspire Liverpool

   • 2021 July 28, Ben Jones, “When BR got cracking after withdrawal of 'Blue Trains'”, in RAIL, number 932, page 32:

     After a ten-month layoff, during which extensive testing had taken place in conjunction with AEI, the 'Blue Trains' resumed full operation on October 2 1961, [...].

3. (British, soccer) A short pass that has been rolled in front of another player for them to kick.
4. A bet that is laid off, i.e. placed with another bookmaker in order to reduce risk.

• (dismissal of employees): downsizing, reduction in force, redundancy

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