IR Executive Question:

Lay-off is a measure or compromising device to cope with the temporary inability of an employer to offer employment to a workman and to keep the industrial establishment in operation so that the worker need not fall back upon strike and the employer need not resort to closure or lockout.
A situation in which there is a temporary shortage of work and the employees are told there is no work for them but that management intends to recall them when work is again available.