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Lay Off vs Fire

anges491

anges491

Russian Federation

Hi, what’s the difference between “lay off someone” or “firing someone”?


I read in one dictionary that laying off means firing someone temporary, is that right?


Are there any other ways in english to say that you have been fired? Getting the sack? Any others that are common?

12:29 PM Jan 28 2012 |

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Teacher AmySuper Member!

United States

Hi! “Lay off” doesn’t mean firing someone temporarily. Usually we use “lay off” when an employee had to be let go for financial reasons, rather than because of poor performance or making some mistake. “Lay off” is also a gentler way of saying “fired.”


We often say “let go” instead of “fired.” Again, this is a bit gentler than “fired.”


05:31 PM Jan 30 2012 |

anges491

anges491

Russian Federation

Thanks, I didn’t know about “let go”. Is it “to be let go”? Like “He was let go because the company was experiencing financial difficulties”?


What about “getting the sack” like in “he got the sack yesterday”. Is it common?


Also, is there any common phrase to use when the employee wants to leave himself or herself? What do we say in this case? He decided to…. ??

08:01 PM Jan 30 2012 |

Teacher AmySuper Member!

United States

Hi! Yes, we say “he was let go” or “the company let him go.” We do say “he got the sack” or “he was sacked,” but we don’t use that expression as often. Also, it’s a bit more rude than the others.


As for phrases employees would use if they want to leave their job, the most common is “he quit.” You might also say someone decided to “move on.”


AmySmile


10:19 PM Jan 31 2012 |