MEMPHIS, TN – The unemployment rate in the Volunteer State has nearly doubled compared to a year ago. In Tennessee it’s at nearly 11 percent. That’s compared to 6.4 a year ago. While Shelby County is slightly lower than the state, the City of Memphis has been hit hard.
The jobless rate in the Bluff City is higher than both the state and national average. As of July, 2009, 11.6 percent of Memphians like Cherrice Deas are seeking unemployment.
“I got to worry about folks picking up my Ford Expedition, cause I got payments I have to pay on that. I’m sure I’m going to have my apartment complex put a letter on my door this week, talking about court processes or eviction because I don’t have no rent money. It’s like a domino effect.”
Experts say it may be some time before the job outlook gets any better. Chauntay Jones is an Employment Specialist with the Tennessee Department of Labor.
“Last month we exceeded over 1,000 claims that we have had to take. The worst thing is we don’t have the jobs that are out there to accommodate the individuals.”
Even if the economy improves, there’s concern many employers won’t return to their old staffing levels for another 3 to 4 years. That prediction provides little comfort to the unemployed like Deas. In addition to paying bills, this Mid-South mom has mouths to feed.
“It never stops. It’s an everyday struggle, but you got to keep going. You can’t just wake up and just quit and stop trying, because life is going to keep moving.”
