But the fear of layoffs and the ever-faster pace of work mean many Americans are reluctant to be absent from the office -- anxious that they might look like they're not committed to their job.

CNN: Why is America the 'no-vacation nation'?

So no minister who is elected to the body can be absent from the fray, at least for now, and Gillard herself has to attend to the new parliament.

FORBES: Aussie politics: Much like US

The technocratic scion of one of Quebec's leading political families, he has never been a man to cut much of a figure, and lately he has been so absent from public debate as to be invisible.

ECONOMIST: Canada

Bolt, who missed the 2006 Games through injury, will be absent from Delhi to instead continue his ongoing build-up for the London 2012 Olympics.

BBC: Usain Bolt to miss Commonwealth Games, says coach

Mrs Shelley says students at her college have been supportive of the action and most of those whose teachers are absent will be able to work from home.

BBC: Public-sector action: To strike or not?

If a government-funded initiative requires short-term workers, FLP group members are often the first to apply and as a result will be absent from the sessions for the duration of the contract.

UNESCO: The Family Literacy Project

Many of the actions currently classified as contempt such as a lawyer being absent from court should be referred to the Disciplinary Board (headed by a sitting High Court judge), says Council member Mah.

CNN: From Our Correspondent: What Is Contempt of Court?

He is absent from issues in which he has a duty to be involved.

WSJ: Stephens: Is Obama Smart?

Absent from this definition are any of the characteristics previously required for a Native American tribe to be recognized as such.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The undoing of America?

Now that this has occurred, I will continue to examine all of my options, including whether the fairness that was absent from the NBPA process might be available in a different forum.

NPR: Hunter Voted Out As Head Of NBA Players' Union