Questions about unemployment

[Maystrong]

I know we are all crying for help/workers in South Walton. My question is, has anyone ever looked at the unemployment rolls, people collecting an unemployment check and asked why they can't "Find" work? I'm thinking a great business plan may be to operate a company with as a government contractor, that matches up A person with A job. That person HAS to take that job and come off the unemployment roll. Of course, if they then quit, they can't collect unemployment. If they are fired for bad performance, they can't collect unemployment. Your contract with the government would be for every dollar you reduce the unemployment rolls by, you get a percentage of that savings as the company's compensation. I see it as a win win for everyone. Reduce the amount of unemployment being paid out, gets a labor pool out there for businesses to hire from and raise their business income. The bonus benefit might even be a reduction in crime and drug issues, if people (the unemployed) had something productive to do with their time. Maybe I'm just too simple minded to think this might work.

 

[ASH]

Perhaps a psychologist can speak up here, but I believe unemployment for many is just another disease of the human condition.
I recall an old Andy Griffith show where a homeless guy shows up on the outskirts of Mayberry and the local kids take it on themselves to give things to the guy to "help" him. When the local Sheriff finds out, they come out and offer him all sorts of jobs to which the guy keeps finding excuses why that job won't work for him. Allergies...bad eyes...bum leg...etc.
When they finally decide to not take no for an answer and start helping him pick up his camp to move him to town and set him up with a job, he runs away never to be seen again.

There is a whole set of people who can't (in their own mind) or don't want to work. The hope of a program like you speak of is that you at least catch those who are on the verge of no longer seeking employment and bring them back from that road to make them productive citizens again.

I wish you the best of luck with your idea.

 

[jodiFL]

I dont think there will ever be enough people to fill all the jobs here. I have talked to so many people that wanted to live here but couldnt "retire" so they opened a business to fund their move to "paradise" but didnt look far enough down the road or take into account that the "local" population just isnt here to be a sustainable source of employees. And most of the "young energetic" people they are looking for go off to college and many never return. There are so many opportunities for people that they can leave a job one day and start another the next day. Now most of the land has been used for "rental property" and there is no where affordable for anyone to actually live/work here. So most have learned the hard way that the little business they opened is going to be staffed by them and not anyone else. I am sure that the unemployment rate in SOWAL is alot lower than the national average and those that are on it are going to stay on it until that 26 weeks is over. I dont know of anyone that has had to get unemployment compensation in this area for YEARS. But you cant expect people to drive 30/40 miles to work at a $12hr./no benefits job and retain them for any amount of time.

 

[Teresa]

Not much in unemployment here but maybe north Walton County and other areas. We have so many jobs in hospitality/tourism/restaurants but pay is on the low end, seasonal or part time. Many workers from other countries are working here in the season.

Lots of our older teens work in shops and restaurants and other businesses before they go off to college, or while home during the summer.

And TONS of volunteer work is needed by our many groups, parks, organizations etc..

 

[jodiFL]

The majority of the people I work with are driving from across the bridge now and I can only see it getting worse the way Freeport is growing. Out of 50+ employees, I can count on one hand the ones that live in SOWAL. And the ones from the north are just waiting for something north of here because they cant stand the traffic and wear and tear on their vehicles and nerves.

 

[L.C. Bane]

This county suffers from underemployment.

Lots of jobs available that don't cover the bills.

 

[bob bob]

Thousands and thousands of apartments in Freeport coming soon. Oops Should have made the bridge 4 lanes.

 

[elgordoboy]

This county suffers from underemployment.

Lots of jobs available that don't cover the bills.

Yes. Time for a Huelga!

 

[L.C. Bane]

Yes. Time for a Huelga!

I don't agree with your reference. Based on personal interactions, I think the majority of latino(a)s that work in our area are doing quite well. They seem to operate quite smartly.

 

[elgordoboy]

I don't agree with your reference. Based on personal interactions, I think the majority of latino(a)s that work in our area are doing quite well. They seem to operate quite smartly.

A huevo! We do not disagree in fact.