Mixed feelings surround local job market

Iowa Unemployment Rate Map by County November 08

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Unemployment rates continue to rise across the country. But, how serious is the problem here? According to Iowa Workforce Development, Union County had 104 unemployment recipients in November. This figure is below that of the 320 recipient average for a county in Iowa; a state that was tied for sixth-lowest unemployment rate nationally last month. Figures released today will show that rate dropped from 4.3 percent in November to 4.1 percent in December. This is 2.6 percent below the national average, but still up slightly from this time last year. Tough times Despite the declining number, Iowa Workforce Development Regional Manager Todd Spencer has some concerns. “We just had a record weekly unemployment insurance, $12 million, payroll check,” said Spencer. “This time of year we see an increase in plant shutdowns. They may be longer than they had been.” Spencer said unemployment claims started increasing just before Thanksgiving. “Historically speaking, we have higher amounts this time of year,” he said. “I just don’t know how permanent it will be.” Locally strong Some of Creston’s major employers are more optimistic, though. Both Wal-Mart and Farley’s and Sathers representatives said they have not lowered their workforce any from last year and don’t plan to in the near future. Sheila McIlravy, speaking for Wal-Mart human resources, called their current workforce “comparable in size” to this time a year ago. She added that there also hasn’t been a big fluctuation in applications filed there. Farley’s and Sathers plans to add positions next year. The two companies combine to employee approximately 510 workers at their Creston locations. These trends are also true for local staffing services. Grapevine Staffing Recruiting Manager Kathy Achenbach said companies like Farley’s and Sathers, Bunn-O-Matic Corporation and Precision Optical Group do slowdown this time of year, but that is normal. “I haven’t noticed an increase or a decrease in the number of people coming in,” said Achenbach. Susan Gonseth, office manager for Advance Services Incorporated, agrees, saying their applicant load has also been the same. “People aren’t worried,” said Gonseth. “We still have positions available.” Achenbach feels the same is true at Grapevine. “We’re very encouraged for January,” she said. “We are still currently looking for people.” Alternatives Iowa had 72,300 unemployed in November, about 8,600 more than last year, with 31,736 of these people receiving unemployment insurance benefits. Union County’s unemployment is up 60 people and .8 percent from last year, reaching 280 and 4.1 percent respectively. Polk County is home to the most unemployed in the state at 4,232, while Ringgold County had just 21. There are programs available outside of unemployment benefits for those who find themselves in this situation. Spencer stresses the importance of looking at options like veteran’s services, disability programs or the Workforce Investment Act. “People need to ask about these things because they may be eligible,” said Spencer. “If people can be placed in services outside of unemployment we try to do that.” —————— Tyler Ellyson can be reached at (641) 782-2141 ext. 236 or tellyson@crestonnews.com