NEW YORK – It looks like something to celebrate: small businesses posting “Help Wanted” signs as the economy edges toward normalcy.
Yet, instead of snapping up these jobs, many out-of-work Americans are choosing to stay home. Some are worried about catching COVID-19 or prefer to live off unemployment benefits that are significantly higher amid the pandemic.
Child care is another issue — parents aren't able to work when they need to tend to or home-school their children. That’s contributing to a hiring and staffing crisis at small companies, which in turn can put a dent in their revenue and profits.
When Steve Klatt and Brandon Lapp set up interviews for their restaurant and food truck business, they’re lucky if one out of 10 or 15