HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Big companies and corporations are moving to Huntsville, and it's important that they find workers to fill the open positions.
Help wanted signs are posted throughout the city. Some believe the pandemic and unemployment benefits have played a role in why people aren't willing to work. But, the problem is much deeper.
The Huntsville/ Madison Chamber of Commerce is trying to answer an important question, "Why aren't people seeking employment?" Huntsville/Madison Chamber of Commerce, workforce vice president, Lyndsay Ferguson, says, "There isn't a simple answer...things like transportation can sometimes be a barrier to employment."
Access to available resources like childcare and reliable transportation could be the reason why many people aren't seeking employment opportunities. Ferguson says that during the pandemic, "We've seen those things have an increased impact. Another piece may be misalignment of skills and experience to the job opportunities that are available and what that looks like."
Unemployment benefits are helpful, but they aren't meant to sustain a person long-term.
"So, unemployment is truly intended to be a bridge," Ferguson said. "To help to support someone who has found themselves in a bad situation.
Huntsville isn't alone. Many cities are facing the same concerns.
"We do see a lot of open positions right now, and we're not a unique community from that standpoint, Ferguson said. "It's a national conversation happening."