Lots of Job Openings in Yakima But Few Apply

Lots of jobs are open in Yakima County and Washington State but companies say they can’t find workers says Jon Smith President of the Yakima Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management and Executive Director of the Yakima County Development Association. He says from fast food to the hospitality and manufacturing industry companies can’t find the people they need to do the work. So what’s the problem? Smith says many people are still concerned about the coronavirus. Others are busy with childcare or managing remote learning. But he says increased unemployment benefits also played a role in why people aren’t applying for jobs. In a normal year to continue to receive unemployment benefits people were required to look for work and document job searches. But that requirement was suspended in March of last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many companies are hoping the job search requirement is reinstated in the near future so businesses can see more potential workers.
Under the current pandemic the number of days a job is posted before it’s filled has increased by about 25% in Yakima when compared to the time before the pandemic. However Despite all the news about jobs going unfilled, lots of jobs are open and officials say now is a great time to look and find a job. If you are looking for a job
Rep. Dan Newhouse will host his 2021 Job Fair for those living in the 4th Congressional District. The event is free is set for May 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Washington.

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