At the direction of the Mayor, the department heads shall lay off employees when necessary due to changes in duty or lack of work or funds. Qualifications, performance and seniority shall govern all layoffs and recalls. Any employee whose employment by the City is terminated for budgetary reasons or lack of work shall receive preference over other applicants, on the basis of his qualifications, performance and seniority, for reemployment when work or funds become available.
(1970 Code Sec. 21.1-36)