DELAWARE- The words "Help wanted" are plastered on storefronts all across Delaware.
Premier Staffing Solutions has been trying to fill those openings, but Director Paco Hernandez says unemployment benefits have made that difficult.
"The unemployment benefits definitely contributed to the challenge. We have received an enormous amount of claims, more so than in previous years, so I know that it has contributed to that," Hernandez said.
Now, the state is trying to help out.
Gov. John Carney said in a press conference Tuesday, "We know that there are hundreds, probably thousands of job vacancies out there. I hear it form employers across the spectrum, and so folks need to take that step and start looking for jobs."
Delawareans will have to register for JobLink to qualify for unemployment benefits. They will have to create and upload a resume, and complete at least one unique job search every week in order to continue getting unemployment checks.
First State Community Action Agency says these changes will help bring people back to work. Executive Director Bernice Edwards says that extra push is all people need. She said, "People want to work. Because a lot of people are saying 'Well, they don't want to, they're lazy,' that's not true. People want to work. They want to feel good about who they are and be a contributing factor not only for their families, but to the community, and put back into the economy."
Delawareans have until June 12 to register with Delaware JobLink to continue receiving unemployment benefits, while searching for their next job.