Worker shortage disrupts Kern businesses | News
A lack of available workers is crimping business in Kern County, forcing operational changes in the worst cases while increasing the workload for existing staffs and raising employers’ costs.
Recent examples include a major agricultural employer having to introduce a hiring bonus, a sharp drop in the county’s pool of substitute teachers and reductions in local bus service with the possibility of more changes to come.
As part of a national shortage that has emerged after COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were lifted, the situation has renewed discussion of potential unintended effects of improved unemployment benefits during the pandemic, as well as employers’ recruitment and retention efforts.
Bakersfield job-recruitment CEO Laura Hill said the lack of workers extends across a broad range of positions but that…
