Not since 1988 has seasonal hiring been at such a low, according to an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.

In a press release earlier today Challenger detailed how Holiday hiring is down 53% more than it was at this time last year.

In this weak economy, people have less disposable income to spend during the holidays resulting in a bleak outlook for holiday sales and consequently, holiday sales employment. If this trend continues through the end of the year, we may see the lowest seasonal employment rate since 1982 when only 260,000 employees were hired for the Holidays.

Have you noticed this trend in stores this season? Post your comments here:

December 5, 2008