York County: Need a job during coronavirus changes? Here’s how an SC agency can help.
State efforts to match the unemployed with job opportunities continues as the wave of unemployment weakens but continues to roll across York, Lancaster and Chester counties.
The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce released late last week the latest in what have become weekly unemployment updates since COVID-19 social distancing measures began mid-March. Record unemployment filings now surpass the 600,000-claim mark statewide.
“This is a significant milestone and true indicator of the widespread effects of COVID-19 on our state, workforce and economy,” said workforce department executive director Dan Ellzey.
From March 15 to June 16, $2.2 billion in benefits has been paid to unemployed South Carolina residents.
“This represents a significant number of people who have lost their jobs,” Ellzey said. “And, it explains the magnitude of the money that has been paid out in unemployment benefits.”
Yet there is reason for optimism.
The week ending June 13 was the eighth out of nine weeks with decreased claims statewide since record highs in April. York, Lancaster and Chester County all saw fewer claims than they did the week prior.
“Our agency is hearing from numerous businesses who are actively looking for employees and industries who are busily ramping up to respond to consumer and market demands,” Ellzey said.
The workforce department encourages job seekers to use SC Works at jobs.scworks.org. That site has extensive employment industry data along with search features to show current openings. A search for jobs within 25 miles of the 29715 zip code on Thursday morning brought up more than 2,200 positions. A search for jobs within five miles of Rock Hill brought up 1,993 positions.
The South Carolina agency lists open jobs both in-state and in North Carolina. Potential applicants can modify by location, keyword or industry. They also can get information on job scams to avoid.
Other recent news in the tri-county area suggests employment may be well-positioned when coronavirus and social distancing allow.
Progress continues on the Carolina Panthers headquarters set to bring an economic revival in Rock Hill, along with projects like The Exchange adding restaurants and retail downtown. McClancy Seasoning announced more than 100 new jobs in Indian Land and Ross Stores another 700 Rock Hill jobs, both this month.
A move toward more jobs may be met with interest in the area. The week ending June 13 saw 1,035 unemployment claims in the three counties. York County had 688 claims compared to 195 in Lancaster County and 152 in Chester County.
Those totals bring tri-county unemployment claims since mid-March to 31,728. York County accounts for 21,363 of them, with Lancaster County at 6,819 and Chester County at 3,546 claims.
