As we are approaching the end of the generous CARES Act unemployment period, (currently set to expire on July 31) to assist those that were laid off due to COVID-19, and as Congress wrestles with what to do to help those truly in need, I would like business owners struggling with hiring entry level part time or even full time unskilled workers to consider the following points.
Historically, Blowing Rock seasonal employees have been App State students here for summer school. However, with more and more students choosing to live back home in the summer and work there while taking online classes, we found last year that this pool is not as large as it has always been. Now, with most of the students not here due to the university being closed down since March, there are very few students looking for work. Combine this with transportation issues to get to Blowing Rock and we have a serious issue.
Tourism depends on these entry level workers to fill restaurant servers and hosts, line cooks, retail clerks, hotel desk clerks and housekeepers. Without them, our businesses will suffer even more.
Now, back to those relaxing at home and enjoying an annualized salary of over $48,000; far more than they were making prior to their furlough. Many of these folks will suddenly need to start looking for a job soon. Frankly, as an employer, I would question their motivation level at this point anyway. I am not sure if you know, but if these folks have been called back to work by their employer and they refused to come back, they are supposed to be reported by the employer to the North Carolina Division of Unemployment. I can tell you that those employees who refuse to return to their jobs because they can make more in unemployment are committing fraud and could face criminal and civil penalties (including paying back unearned benefits). Of course, the state operates the unemployment system and enforcement is up to them.
Employers have a role as well. Some employers have begun to report the names of employees who have refused to return to their jobs to the North Carolina Division of Unemployment. Often just the mere suggestion of reporting them will bring folks quickly back to the workplace.
I hope you will continue to utilize our
Blowing Rock Chamber Job Opportunities Facebook group to post your jobs. The chamber realizes that there is no “silver bullet”. If the University can get reopened on August 17, there could be a flood of bright new applicants to hire for the fall. We remain hopeful that the state’s numbers will continue to improve and that we will see an increase in visitor travel confidence and resulting business.
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