Help wanted signs have become more common as the COVID-19 pandemic winds down and businesses reopen further, but many employers are now experiencing a shortage of workers as positions remain unfilled. … Some have blamed the lack of job-seekers on expanded unemployment benefits approved by the federal government in response to the pandemic, which allowed people an extra $300 per week. In response, some states have moved to end the additional aid before it expires in September. Kerri Falletti, executive director of Cowley First, said around 160 jobs are listed right now on the Cowley Works job posting website that is administered by Cowley First, with 30 to 40 businesses represented. Falletti said the county’s total unemployment rate is currently around 4 percent. A county with a rate of 4 percent or less is considered to have full employment. Some counties in Kansas currently have unemployment rates in the 2 percent range, said Falletti.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
