lay off/fire

Hi,
Sometimes, no difference is intended.

Sometimes, 'lay off' is used for a situation where the company may call the workers back to work later if business improves.

Clive

AnonymousWhat is the difference between 'fire' and 'lay off'?

Agreeing with Clive and adding by own two cents.
When someone is "laid-off" there is no implication of wrongdoing, misbehavior, or incompetence on the part of the employee, it's nothing personal, if you will.

Being fired does carry the implication of fault on the part of the employee. Ma

And adding to the distinction RayH explained -- it can mean the difference (in the U.S.) between collecting unemployment benefits (if you're laid off) or not (if your're fired.)

Hi,

Thank you all very much for your kind replies.

CliveSometimes, 'lay off' is used for a situation where the company may call the workers back to work later if business improves.

Can 'fire' be used for the situation above?

Can we also use 'fire' for a situation which is because there is no work for them to do?

Thanks

No, if you plan to recall the workers after the slow period is over, then do NOT use "fire."

If the plant is closing and it will not reopen, you can say "The plant closed and all the workers were fired." It's not often used that way because "fired" does have a strong sense that the person who was "fired" did something wrong.

Hi GG,

Many thanks for your reply.
How about 'dismiss'? Does it have the same meaning as 'fire' or 'lay off'?

Thanks.

AnonymousHow about 'dismiss'? Does it have the same meaning as 'fire' or 'lay off'?
Thanks.

Could someone please reply to my question above?

Hi,

How about 'dismiss'? Does it have the same meaning as 'fire' or 'lay off'?
From my dictionary.
Dismiss - discharge from employment, from office, etc., especially dishonourably.

Generally, it might be used for either of the above two terms, but it is a more formal word and unlikely to be heard in everyday spoken English.

Best wishes, Clive

Thank you! Clive.