Whether you’ve seen the posts on social media, or on the outside of businesses while driving around Columbus, you don’t have to look far to find a local "help wanted" notice.
However, while many businesses have reopened their doors over the last several weeks, many employers are still struggling to assemble a full staff.
In response, Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed an executive order to get more Hoosiers back to work.
Over the last several months, those receiving jobless benefits have not been required to show proof to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development that they are looking for work.
Earlier this week, Holcomb changed that requirement back to what it was before the pandemic. Starting June 1, those applying for unemployment must prove they’re applying for jobs, attending job fairs, participating in a WorkOne orientation, or completing an online workshop.
Recent reports by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the state’s unemployment rate was 3.9% for March, which is close to the 3.3% pre-pandemic rate in March of 2020. In Bartholomew County, unemployment was 3.8% in March of 2021.
The governor’s order will not cut off Hoosiers from the $300 a week in expanded federal unemployment assistance available through Sept. 6. Currently, the national unemployment rate is around 6%.
Given improving pandemic conditions, and the demand for work, it makes sense that Holcomb would reinstate the unemployment rules.
Hopefully the directive will lead to more Hoosiers in the workforce and fewer struggling businesses.
