Unemployment across the nation has been on the rise. Most recently the U.S. jobless rate climbed to 7.6 percent. Despite this, jobs in Virginia have remained comparatively easy to find, considering the labor situation. This most likely has to do with the large presence of government jobs.
Although the situation is not as bad in Virginia as it has been for the rest of the nation, unemployment is still on the rise in the state. The most recent statistics show that the jobless rate jumped from 4.8 percent in November to 5.4 percent in December. During this time the national average was 7.2 percent.
Despite the fact that the local economy seems to be fairing relatively well, all things considered, many employers are still doing away with some of the Virginia jobs that they provide. One business currently in the process of doing this is Stanley Furniture, which recently announced that it will be doing away with 100 jobs at its Stanleytown, Virginia plant. The soon-to-be axed jobs are all in production.
“The recession in the U.S. economy has continued to lead to lower sales, requiring us to balance production and staffing levels,” said the company’s chairman and chief executive Albert L. Prillaman, chairman and chief executive officer. “We have a proven business strategy and are focused on improving our product offerings, quality and service as we prepare for the eventual upturn in business. We are preserving as many jobs as possible so we retain the flexibility to quickly respond to improving demand with our mostly domestic manufacturing model. We sincerely regret the impact of this decision on our Virginia associates and their families who are affected.”
According to a recent press release, Stanley Furniture will be working closely Virginia Employment Commission along with the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Network to provide the laid off employees with help finding new jobs. Some of the services they will be offering will be career counseling, job placement, skills assessment and job referrals. Since the company is already certified for federal Trade Adjustment Assistance under the Trade Act, workers will be able receive extended income support from the Trade Adjustment Allowances. On top of this they can also participate in training programs, receive job search allowances and/or relocation allowance. With the economy in its current situation, these services and variance assistances may come in handy to many workers.
Tags: Virginia Jobs