Help wanted despite gains in employment

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - Employment is still needed despite positive growth in the job market.

According to the Idaho Department of Labor, the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3% in the month of June.

Idaho's unemployment rate also falls under the national average that the U.S. Department of Labor reports at 5.9%.

The Dept. of Labor also reports Pocatello experienced the largest gain at 2.9%, followed by Idaho Falls at 1.1%.

 Despite the improvement, many local businesses say they are having a tough time finding people wanting employment.

Theron Pollard opened Westwood Discount in Pocatello 32 years ago and after three decades of serving the community, he needs help for the future.

"We lost a couple of workers in the last month," Pollard said. "So, we are looking for someone now to fill in for the people that we did lose."

Tastee Treet Owner Steve Porter says they have had their 'Now Hiring' sign up all year, and have been offering employment opportunites all summer.

"What we've noticed through the pandemic is that our drive-thru has been busier than ever," Porter said. "We've just needed more staff than we've ever needed in the past."

Porter says he is always open for someone who is looking for the right opportunity. 

"I've told my managers for years, if there's somebody that's good, we'll find a spot for them" Porter said. "Even if we're not hiring, there's always a need for good employees."

It's those good employees that Pollard says he can't wait to work with soon. 

"This is a good place to shop,' Pollard said. "The employees we have are happy, and we'd like some more happy employees."