KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffStaffing company says there are jobs available

Staffing company says there are jobs available

MARION, IL (KFVS) - If you're looking for a job, then don't lose faith in finding one.  They are out there.

The unemployment numbers do reflect those who are without a job.  The filing of unemployment benefits reflects those workers who are still looking for a job.

But, there are jobs out there according to the president at Priority Staffing Group LTD in Marion.

"We have forty some odd jobs right here that are open right now. And they're not just start-up minimum wage jobs," said Gail Lannom. "We have management jobs, accounting jobs, truck driving jobs and jobs for welders. Our problem is finding the qualified people."

Lannom points to one of the factors she sees as the problem with few applicants and qualified ones for the jobs.

"I believe that issue is coming from the fact that they keep extending unemployment benefits," said Lannom.

But, there is another factor Lannom says that is also having an effect on how many people are being hired with some companies.

"The contribution rate for employers for their employees unemployment benefits last year was $3.80 for every hundred dollars that you pay someone. This year it has gone up to $4.35 per hundred dollars in pay," said Lannom. "So it's an automatic increase that eats into the profits of the company to expand and continue growth."

Some people who are working and still looking for work see the jobs issue from a different perspective.

"They're very hard to get and very hard to keep," said Susie Dering of Carterville. "Too many jobs are leaving this area and we need to keep them here. We can't pay for gas if we don't have jobs."

"I think jobs are hard to get. A lot of places aren't necessarily hiring," said Tabitha Stone of Carterville. "It's almost like you have to get your foot in the door with an internship or word of mouth."

Lannom says all you need to do is apply for a job in order to get a job.

"That's what we need, we need people that are looking for work that want a career to apply," said Lannom. "I'm going to say that 95 percent of the jobs we place and fill will turn into a permanent position within 90 days."

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