Low Unemployment Could Be Hurting Local Businesses, Experts Say

One local business said a low unemployment rate is great for Oklahoma, but not for her business as she works to fill several positions.

Demetra Bailey said she wears multiple hats around her restaurant.

“So, this morning I was doing dishes, cashiering, doing the email blast, making salad dressing, you name it,” Bailey said.

Her restaurant, The Kitchen, has made several adjustments over the past couple of months due to staffing shortages.

“We were originally open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Now because we're so short staff, we're closing at 5 p.m. in the evening and we're also closing on Mondays just because we don't have enough staff to fulfill the needs of the business,” Bailey said.

Bailey said hiring has been difficult. Right now, Oklahoma City's unemployment is 1.9%.

“That's the nature of having low unemployment rates, people can be selective,” Oklahoma Employment Security Commission's Shelley Zumwalt said.

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission said this number could mean many things there's either a large number of people employed or people are just choosing to not reenter the workforce.

“It usually tends to go down in October, November and December because of the holiday workforce is getting started up and taking those jobs,” Zumwalt said.

OESC said they think people are choosing alternative ways to make money as they navigate through pandemic challenges.

“I've heard anecdotally that there are child care issues especially in rural areas. Now, that daycare hasn't reopened or is reopening at a reduced rate and so people are having to look for alternative ways if they can't telework,” Zumwalt said.

OESC said it's working with several employers to help staff their businesses and with job seekers to find the perfect job.