Download: RSS | Email Alerts | SMS Alerts | Podcasts | Mobile

Sub-NavigationSide Navigation

	Breaking News Alert: Plea Deal Reached in Heather Ellis Case

Unemployment Rate 19.5% in Tunica County, MS

Last Update: 3/10 6:22 pm

Print Story |

TUNICA COUNTY, MS -- The nation's money mess continues to put people out of work. It is hitting especially hard in Tunica County, Mississippi. The county one labeled as the poorest in the nation, has a current unemployment rate of 19.5 percent. The national average is just above eight percent.

County leaders say a big reason for the jump is a slump in the casino industry. With less revenue, many casinos were forced to make layoffs and cutbacks.

Eyewitness News made a visit to the WIN Job Center in Tunica. Every computer station was full with people searching for employment. Babacar Fall moved to the United States from West Africa three years ago in search of new opportunities. Fall says what he's finding so far, "It's really hard to find a job."

Fall works as a steward at one of the casinos but the recent layoffs have him searching for a more stable job. Fall says, "I was looking for another job somewhere else. I went to an interview but I've been waiting for a job ever since."

Glenda Tyler was also at the WIN Job Center. After looking for work for two years she decided to change her game plan. Tyler is planning to go back to school for her GED and then go to college for nursing.

Both Tyler and Fall are keeping their fingers crossed that the economy turns around and that the "Land of Opportunity" keeps its promise.

If you would like to file for unemployment benefits, call the Mississippi Department of Employment Security at 1-888-844-3577.

Add a Comment

Add Video Comment

(0) Comments

To Email:
Your Name:
Your Email:
Message:
	Send a copy to my email