Front Page  »  

SLO County’s unemployment rates rising again

March 12, 2022

By KAREN VELIE

A year after the pandemic forced thousands out of the workforce, the number of unemployed San Luis Obispo County residents is again on the rise.

SLO County’s unemployment rate climbed 15.9% in January as the number of unemployed residents rose from 4,400 to 5,100, the state Employment Development Department reported Friday. Last summer, unemployment rates began steadily declining throughout most of the United States, until now.

Even though many business owners are currently struggling to find employees, SLO County’s unemployment rate rose to 3.8 percent in January, from 3.3 percent in December.

During January, significant job losses were seen in the retail sector which lost 600 jobs and in the restaurant industry which lost 400 jobs.

While most sectors recorded declines, local governments noted an increase of 600 jobs.

SLO County’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average of 4.4% and the state’s 5.5% rate.

Sign up for breaking news, alerts and updates with Cal Coast News Top Stories.


Loading...
Related:


7 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

There are plenty of job opportunities available. If you’re not working, it’s because you don’t want to. We just hired a part time 31-year-old where I work. We’ve been working 50-60 hours a week for the last twenty months. He was complaining about working 9-hour days and how tired it makes him. He came in late 3 out of the 5 days and couldn’t keep the position. His previous job was in the pot industry. Nothing else needs to be said.


I require three things. Be to work, be to work on time, and do your job. Over the years, 25% of the people had a problem doing it. I see help wanted signs all over the place. Wages are higher than they have ever been. The work is out there. Apply some effort and initiative to work.


41

Actually, the federal minimum wage is extremely behind. Roughly 40 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. I can pull up some data if needed.


-36

A minimum wage job is start. No one has to stay at that. My daughter started in fastfood industry and worked her way to managing two places at 25 years-old. It was a start and a stepping stone to a better job where she currently is. The experience and her developed skills she learned there led to a financial increase through hard work and perseverance along with a great work ethic. Minium wage was never ment to be a living wage.


Individual drive and seeking better opportunities should be every one’s desire who feel stuck and poor on minimum wage. Let’s be honest about it, and stop the confusion and myth regarding it.


24

But, KR can pull some data that shows minimum wage just isn’t enough! KR, most Americans aren’t living paycheck to paycheck because of their wages, it’s because they choose to live beyond their means!


6

The minimum wage has done more damage than good to humanity. I can pull up a lot of data if needed.


16

It’s the AOC and Heidi Harmon Ilk that has brainwashed a segment of the population that believe life owes them a living. The dignity of self reliance and a job, any job, well done is slipping away in the woke atmosphere of today.


25

Slackers be slacking again.


38