CHILLICOTHE— The unemployment rate for Ross County reached 18.4% in April of 2020. Since then the rate has been decreasing back to pre-pandemic levels with the unemployment rate being only 4.9% in January of this year.
Despite the unemployment rate dropping businesses are still having trouble finding and retaining workers. Many are hiring individuals that don't show up, or that show up for a few weeks then quit.
Staff Source is a locally-owned human resource and staffing service provider. Ken Shelton, of Staff Source, notes that turnover of employees has been high recently. He recommends that companies make sure they are being competitive with hours and rates.
"If people can leave for $1 more they're going to," said Shelton. "They know they will be able to find another job somewhere else."
A living wage calculator from MIT shows that the minimum living wage for an individual with no kids living in Ross County is $13.49 an hour this is much higher than the current Ohio minimum wage which is $9.30 an hour.
Debbie Immell, of Crazy Dog's Grill on North Bridge St., is struggling to get people to even apply to her store.
"We definitely can not find help," said Immell.
She has posted online and on the door of the restaurant to let people know that they are hiring. Currently, the family-run restaurant only has four people working, including Immell and her husband.
The Jimmy John's sandwich shop, on West Main Street, has had help wanted signs outside their establishment for over a...
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