Uncle Sam Wants You! Just Not Right Now…
As we’re now aware, the federal government’s hiring freeze is affecting every agency. The Federal Times reports that the Department of Justice is no exception. Americans may have a better idea of what a “crucial” employee is as of late, but we’re still scratching our heads, just as nervous as DOJ officials about how this will all shake out…
The Justice Department’s hiring freeze — which was imposed earlier this year and even prevents the department from hiring to replace most attrition — remains in effect, and spokeswoman Jessica Smith said Justice isn’t sure when it will be lifted. Justice earlier this year said the freeze was necessary to avoid a sudden, dire budget crunch that would force employee furloughs. Smith said those concerns remain.
“Given the reductions in the recent FY 2011 full year [continuing resolution], and the funding uncertainty facing us in FY 2012, the Attorney General has directed that the January 21st restraints continue,” Assistant Attorney General for Administration Lee Lofthus said in an April 19 memo to the rest of the department.
Smith said Deputy Attorney General James Cole has made a few exceptions to fill jobs in U.S. Attorneys offices or for crucial law enforcement positions. Much of the department must make do with vacancies when valued employees leave. Not an enviable position to be in, we admit.
