Local unemployment numbers up

The local unemployment statistics are out, and the news isn’t good across our five county area; the numbers are up across the board.

Rocky Point resident Crystal Thomas lost her job a week ago after relocating from Texas. Like many other Pender County residents she is now looking for work. I just came here, found a job, and laid off, and so I’m looking again.”

Pender County Job Link manager, Rosemary Pittman said, while many are out of work, people in her office are nearly overworked, trying to help people find jobs.

The State Employment Securities Commission reported the latest unemployment numbers by county.

From December of this year compared to last…
Bladen is up 3.8%
Brunswick is up 4.6%
Columbus is up 5.2%
New Hanover is up 3.5%
Pender is up 4.8%

That’s where we see the biggest percent increase.

But there is help out there. Unemployment benefits are available up to a maximum 26 weeks.

If you’re looking for a job, the Job Link Centers offer free internet and counseling along with free resume writing classes. Job Link Centers can also help with tuition and books for those who qualify if someone would like to go back to school to learn a new trade.