Original article by WTVA
AMORY, Miss. (WTVA)- When the governors of Mississippi and Alabama announced an end to a federal subsidy to unemployment they sighted many employers are in need of workers. The Monroe county chamber of commerce hosted a job fair today in Amory in hopes of putting people in open positions with several companies.
From law enforcement to the medical field, to factory work, many employers were at the old armory in Amory Wednesday trying to get people to work for them.
The president of Nautic Star, Scott Wamack said he needs around 50 more employees right now, “We are expanding and plan to grow even more in the future but first we have to fill these 50 positions.”
Willie McMillian is from Aberdeen, he was applying for jobs, looking to get back into the workforce after being unemployed for a year, “I applied for the boat place and the construction over there, I am just trying to find some work, period”
Some folks today were looking to get back to work, some were looking for better-paying jobs. Governor Tate reeves announced earlier this week the state would no longer provide the federal stipend for $300 extra per week in unemployment benefits. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey made the same announcement as well for her state. Both cited the troublesome businesses had in hiring people.
Womack said the extra benefits right now has made it difficult for employers, “The extra benefits have probably helped keep some people out of the active workforce”
An employer at Homestretch Furniture said they also need workers. He told me he believes more people will start looking for jobs after June but doesn’t believe any employer will see an immediate rush for employment openings.
