GREENSBORO, N.C. — The job market is looking better. In Guilford County, 240,000 people are employed. Compare that number to April 2020 when only 207,000 people had jobs. Still, 13,000 people are not working. Experts agree there is a demand for employees but some industries are being hit harder.
"The retail hospitality and tourism industries are really, really hurting right now and for a number of reasons," Chris Rivera with Guilford works said. "More people are out and about consumer spending is up."
Rivera said businesses want to hire but finding workers is hard. G
"That could be because if we have supplemental unemployment benefits that are falling through the system. Those benefits will end come early September and then the market will be inundated with individuals and or competition."
Guilford Works sees the need. They help place people in open positions. They also help with resume workshops, scholarship and finding childcare.
Larry Williams is the director of operations for several entertainment and hospitality businesses - Red Cinemas, Burger Warfare, Pig Pounder, Darryl's Woodfired Grill and Painted Plate Catering.
"We did have to close multiple businesses throughout the pandemic for various times, so we have them all up and going right now so now it's just making sure they're on a solid foundation moving forward," Williams said.
They're still hiring people for all positions even after bringing on more than 20 new employees after a job fair.
"It's a challenge right now that we're all going through in the industry. We're trying to attract new team members so that you can get yourself stable, you can get yourself going and hopefully see you know brighter times ahead but it's a challenge," Williams said.