Here's one way to combat the recession: Lay off workers, um, temporarily.

Prada SpA agreed with the Italian work union CGIL to lay off 250 workers for brief periods at a time with the support of public funds, reports WWD.

Called "Cassa Integrazione," the plan will cover the luxury company's largest accessories production plant -- so, really, saving the "It" bag -- for periods of four to six weeks when production is slow.

During these work suspensions, the Italian government will pay up to 80% of the worker's incomes, says the site. Not too shabby for a month's break from work!

Prada isn't the only luxury fashion company to feel the economic pinch. This recent survey finds that even the wealthy aren't so into pricey goods of late.