Many US States are encouraging Jobless Americans to return to work

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More states in the US are making it harder for people to stay on unemployment and encouraging people to return to work. Some blamed the easy benefits that followed the pandemic, including a $300 a week supplemental federal payment on top of state benefits. Point to be noted that Americans are making more money staying home than going back to work. The several US States have started requiring those receiving unemployment benefits to show they are actively searching for work, and a few will stop providing the additional federal supplement. The hospitality sector isn’t alone scrambling to fill positions. For instance, Alene Candles is looking to fill 1,500 positions for its facility in Milford, New Hampshire, and another in New Albany, Ohio, to meet the demand for the holiday season.

CEO Rod Harl said the company representatives will be participating in a number of virtual job fairs this month. He added, “We have had more than 100 positions open since the start of the year, and just recently we increased sign-on bonuses to $1,200 for hourly positions in part because we are competing with an entity that can print its own money, the federal government, and it’s $300 per week additional unemployment benefit. I would love to welcome those searching for work to join our team”. Labor experts believe that the shortage is not just about the $300 payment. Some unemployed people also have been reluctant to look for work because they fear catching the virus. Others have found new occupations instead of return to their old jobs.

Many women, especially working mothers have had to leave the workforce to care for children. It is noteworthy that details and timing of the state-led efforts are different to get people back to work, but they are coming from states led by both Republicans and Democrats. Moreover, states reinstating the work-search requirement include Arizona, Maine, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Carolina. Republican Governor of Arizona, Doug Ducey said, “As President Reagan said, the best social program is a job. This statement rings true today. Unemployment benefits are still available to Arizonans who need them, but now that plenty of jobs are available, those receiving the benefits should be actively looking for work”. Montana, South Carolina, and Arkansas are also planning to stop accepting the $300 benefit.