Help Wanted! The epidemic behind the pandemic

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You shouldn’t have to look far to find a help-wanted sign in Vicksburg.

The numbers show unemployment hovering around the 6 percent mark. Many cite the current level of benefits being offered as the major reason many employers are having to adjust their business model just to keep their doors open.

Especially hard-hit are service industry jobs such as restaurant workers. One employer recently held a job fair and only had 2 potential applications.

Pablo Diaz is Executive Director of the Vicksburg Warren County Partnership. This past Monday, Diaz said, “There are jobs out there in almost every category for those who want to work.”

He added, “The industrial sector, which normally pays a higher wage, has remained competitive but there are still jobs available.”

Diaz went on the say, “Industry is still very complimentary of the level of skilled workers in this market.”

information about a job fair being held Tuesday, April 20, 2021

A quick search of Indeed revealed 437 jobs in this area. Diaz said he currently knows of around 275 jobs available. He and his team have been canvassing area businesses hoping that they will communicate their needs to his office so that they can be of assistance in getting the message out to those actually looking for employment.

Meanwhile with the current benefit packages slated to continue until the fall, many are asking the question, can their business sustain their clientele while operating with reduced staffing models. It remains to be seen if another victim of the pandemic is the small business person.

Please support small businesses in our community, and remember many are working day and night just to sustain what in many cases is a lifelong dream of being a business owner.

(Mississippi Department of Employment Security)