Center for Business, Industry & Labor

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Unemployment - Up 80% Over Last Year

Figures published recently in USA Today confirm what Boyle sees every day. According to the article, the number of people who have been jobless for long periods has risen to its highest level since 1994.

These numbers confirm what Jane Boyle, Director of the Employment and Training Center at St. Louis Community College sees everyday.

“We are seeing some layoffs, but the bigger problem we are seeing is people being out of work for longer periods of time,” Boyle said. “And when they do find jobs, they are doing so at a diminishing rate of pay.”

The USA Today article cites a U.S. Department of Labor estimate that nearly 1.5 million people have been out of work for more than six months, a figure that is up 80% from a year ago. These numbers spell trouble for workers. But businesses themselves suffer as they scale back operations, eliminate entire divisions, restructure and yet in the midst of this must somehow continue to increase the bottom line.

There certainly is no quick fix, but help is available in St. Louis for local businesses facing these issues. The Employment and Training Center (ETC) at SLCC offers a full range of services for individuals and companies facing the challenges of a changing employment picture.

“For instance, if a company knows they are going to lay off a good number of workers, they can call us and we’ll come in and coordinate that process,” Boyle said. “We send in an outplacement team made up of career counselors and job placement representatives. If a smaller number of employees is affected, employers can send them to us for the same services.”

The outplacement service benefits businesses by curbing some of the deteriorating employee morale and decline in productivity that often occur when layoffs are imminent.

They also can help individuals that are displaced because of downsizing. ETC can give individuals such basic information as how to file for unemployment. We offer career counseling and assessment, job search workshops, and assistance with job placement. And if needed, we can coordinate training for individuals to upgrade their current skills or learn new ones to make themselves more marketable through our partnership with the Missouri Career Centers.

Evan as some companies are downsizing, others are adding to their workforces. The ETC has applicant referrals, a resume data bank, and confidential outplacement coordination are among the services available to employers, all at no cost.

“That is the best part about what we are trying to do here-helping employees and employers to find a good match, and getting people back into the workforce.”

To get more information about outplacement services or to fill jobs at your company contact;

Cindy Layman -