![]() | The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the UK and USA and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (November 2020) |
A furlough (/ˈfɜːrloʊ/; from Dutch: verlof, "leave of absence") is a temporary cessation of paid employment that is intended to address the special needs of a company or employer; these needs may be due to economic conditions that affect a specific employer, or to those prevailing in society as a whole. Furloughs may be short-term or long-term. They are also known as temporary layoffs.