LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) – During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans encountered financial difficulties due to unemployment.
Employers now appear to be the ones struggling.
WalletHub stated in a study that the labor force participation rate is experiencing the slowest recovery of any recession since World War II. Throw in the effects of what some have called the “Great Resignation” and the labor force is experiencing a real mess.
Kentucky is not exempt from these struggles. In the WalletHub study, Kentucky’s job opening rate in July 2022 is 7.80%, whereas, in 2021, the rate was 7.95%, which ranks third in the nation.
The top five states/territories struggling to fill vacant positions are:
- Alaska – 8.30%
- Georgia – 8.20%
- Kentucky – 7.80%
- Vermont – 7.70%
- West Virginia – 7.60%
The following states round out the five states/territories that are experiencing the least hiring struggles:
- Washington – 5.00%
- New York – 5.50%
- District of Columbia – 5.70%
- Connecticut – 6.00%
- Utah – 5.90%
