In a written statement, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Wednesday, that as of December 19, 2008, there is a hiring freeze of “…all Church employment in the
United States and internationally, including BYU.”
The Church is one of Utah's biggest employers with thousands of workers spread among various sites including Temple Square and the Church's international headquarters in downtown Salt Lake, BYU and Deseret Industries.
The statement said, "In response to the recent economic downturn, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is currently not hiring new employees. This temporary action, which has been taken before previous periods of economic uncertainty, is consistent with principles of thrift and fiscal responsibility that the Church has long encouraged its members to practice."
Church members Emma Carson and Amy Needs, who were at Temple Square Wednesday night attending Church events, said they weren't surprised by the hiring freeze. Emma thought it was wise, saying "I think if they continued hiring without thinking of the economy that would concern me more." Amy, who said she works at Deseret Books, which is owned by the LDS Church, said a handful of people were laid off there, despite the fact that the stores are doing well.
The church would not comment on the number of jobs affected in the hiring freeze or whether there have been lay-offs.
