In Tennessee, the latest insured unemployment rate is eight percent.
Before the pandemic, it was 0.6 percent.
However, a staffing agency in Memphis said there are jobs available.
Dara McGee Ajanaku worked for herself but stopped by a staffing agency, People Ready, to bring in some additional income.
“All this pandemic and whatever else is going on,” said Ajanaku. “I still need resources and all I know how to do is get out and get a job”
People Ready hosted a drive-thru job fair to fill 100 positions at the Amazon Distribution Center in Memphis.
Valerie Willard works at People Ready.
“They’re going to get started on the 20,” said Willard. “Then we will have another wave on the 27.”
The economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic has been felt across the country.
“A lot of businesses have shut down,” Willard said. “A lot of people are without jobs. Some people aren’t even getting unemployment right now. So, if you can find it, find it”
People Ready believed they would see a lot of people looking for work once the weekly $600 federal pandemic unemployment compensation payments end at the end of the month.
“I can guarantee you they will be rushing to our doors and other businesses like ours,” Willard said.
This was one of the reasons Ajanaku said she was applying and encouraging others to do so.
“Nothing from nothing leaves nothing,” Ajanaku said. “So, you have to get out, you can’t be scared.”