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10 = 5 theifp.ca = Halton Hills | Thursday, January 13, 2022 4 Continued from page 1 S seckers and major corpo: ‘ations alike, and the full effect likely won't be un- derstood for years to come. ment rate has been — to declaration of a state of emergency due to the pandemic, unemployment das companies closed ple off in re- ae the situation became more stable, the unem- ployment rate both in the region and across the prov- ince returned to largely normal levels. However, what compa- nies across Halton have been experiencing is a sig- nificant challenge in find- ing people to hire. ie Frazer, execu- tive o director of the Halton ills Chamber of Com- merce, said she's seeing hiring issues that have been complicated by the pandemic. “What we're he: from our members (is) that they're just struggling to get unskilled labour. So, whether that be retail or kind of minimum wage, en- ty level, warehousing o or positions, those eC ate ice are struggling quite a bit to find employ- s. And they were before SOME INDUSTRIES THRIVING AMIDST PANDEMIC Halton Unemployment Rate 820182018 2018 ® Halton HM Ontario 20192019 a 2019 2020 201 sduater 2Quater 3Qunrer "Quarter 1°Quarer 2Quarter | 3Quarer arr 1" Quarter Quarter 3¢Cuater “March. 17, Source: Statistic Canada's Labour Force Survey ~- Melanie Frazer, executive director of the Halton Hills hiringas one of the key rea- sons for the closure of the busine "My 1 phone's ringing off the hook, but I can't find people to do the work. And, you know, my other busi- ness is very much the same — we have other business interests, but it's the same thing, I got more work than I know what to do with. I can't find people to do it," said Wallace. The COVID-19 Business Survey conducted by Hal- ton Region, alongside local icipaliti received Chamber of says there's a number of hiring issues facing the job market these days. the pandemic and the pan- demic actually only exac- erbated it," said Frazer. Struggles with finding employees are being expe- Menced across the region. ce, president of he pibbheerss closed Bur- lington Taxi, specifically cited the challenges with over 700 responses from the local business commu- nity. Respondents cil sho ortage of employees as of the three biggest challenges facing their business. Worldwide disruptions to the supply chain, an ap- parent local labour short- e, a pop’ ing more time homes and unpredictable government restrictions Metroland graphic have led to an economic picture in the region thatis uneven and unexpected. "Some businesses are having their best years ew. er — landscape compani home improvement com. panies, construction com- panies, pool companies are loing phenomenally well. Then other businesses in the hospitality industry, restaurants, hotels are just getting decimated. A num- ber of them are closing their doors and other ones are just barely holding on," ‘addo, presi- at of the “Brlington Chamber of Commerc “Reopened doesn't mean ree andemic's effect on abusiness will be differ- ent for each individual or- ganization, but afew broad trends can be identified. In the case of restau- rants and tourism-focused businesses, the region has already witnessed the clo- sure of a number of popu- Jar local restaurants. Those businesses have repeatedly pointed to ever- inging government re- strictions combined with a population that is uneasy about being in publicas the reason for their struggles. On the other side, busi- nesses involved in home improvement have widely been reporting that they are seeing remarkable profits. Caddo and other cham- ber officials have speculat- ed that the reason for that is when people are con- fined to their homes, many of them decide to start ren- ovations or even install a Disruptions to the inter- national supply chain have been affecting everything from the arrival of Christ- mas presents to the opera- tion of major manufactur- ers. Caddo said it’s had real impacts on local business too. “Everything is backed up. [heard from the Alder- shot BIA there's restau- rants that can't get buns for sandwiches, and they had to close down because they couldn't get their baking material in," said Caddo. ie ufacturers are be- hind supply chain hang-ups. You know, you hear about that across the country, but it affects Bur- lington businesses." Despite the unusual stakes, there are a number of reasons to be optimistic out the future of Halton business and the associat- ed job market. There is some evidence that one effect of the pan- demic is that it has re- newed people's support for buying local. Campaigns like the Hal- ton Hills Chamber's Sup- port Local program re- ceived enthusiastic sup- rt. po! “People have rediscov- ered their communities in when I see that new busi- nesses are still springing up. I think that's amazing and it speaks to, just the human nature of wanting to make something special for the past two years," said razer. There's also growing op- timism that the COVID-19 pandemic and its associat- ed uncertainties are com- ing to an end. According to the Halton jobs available in a wide va- riety of industries. The me- dian income of the region as of the 2016 census con- tinues to be above the na- tional average at $42,577. jumbers were af- fected by the ‘pandemic, but the anaes of the local econo. my is still very much there. STORY BEHIND THE STORY: The disruption of the pandemic has caused a substantial impact on the job market. With that in mind, we wanted to take a closer look at what it has meant for how people earn a living in Halton. Established and growing insurance brokerage seeking Receptionist to join our team for a one year full-time contract position. Occasional Saturday mornings expected. Excellent communication skills and a keen attention to detail are critical to this role supporting both account managers and producers. Respons S: + Assist telephone and Walk-in customers + Process payment receipts * Daily mail related tasks + Assist CSR's as needed * Data management related to policies * Maintain professional relationships with underwriters * Insurance experience an asset but not a must * Computer experience including excellent keyboard skills * Professional, detail oriented and organized * Strong communication skills + Ateam player with a strong work ethic All applications and information contained therein will be treated as strictly confidential. Please note only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Please forward resume to arogers@pcarmstrongins.com