The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is reporting that 44% of small business owners have job openings they can’t fill, and 92% of them report few or no qualified applicants are applying for their open positions.
Small business owners who attended a hearing of the House Government Operations Committee in Lansing in April, were concerned that increased unemployment benefits and the pandemic are continuing to keep people out of the work force.
Traditionally, those receiving unemployment benefits in the State of Michigan were required to prove they were searching for work. That requirement was lifted due to the pandemic, but representatives from the Unemployment Insurance Agency told the House Government Operations Committee that the requirement would be reinstated by the end of May.
NFIB Michigan State Director, Charlie Owens said the work search requirement would help employers as well as an incentive such as a “Return to Work Grant”.
“The return to work incentive would provide grants of $1,000 to workers who leave the unemployment system and return to work,” said Owens.
The incentive is included in House Bill 4420 which is currently making its way through the legislative process.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
