Local Jobless Picture Worsening

Monday's stock market dive of  is just more unwelcome news for the local economy, especially people looking for work.

At the Workforce Alliance Career Center near West Palm Beach, John Christian worked job leads online.  Christian, a 20-year veteran of retail management, was working at Linens 'n' Things, when the company started closing stores and slashing payrolls.  Christian has been out of work 2 and a half months.
"At this point, the savings are very low," said Christian.  "I was a little down the other day.  And I thought to myself, 'No, don't let it get you.  You cannot let it get you.'"
Christian has plenty of company.  Workforce Alliance, says in this year's third quarter, the number of new registrants at its three Palm Beach County offices rose nearly 40 percent over last year.
Unemployment rates have also soared in recent months.  The announced August jobless rate in Palm Beach County was 7.3 percent.  Martin was slightly higher at 7.5.  The unemployment rates hovered around 10 percent in St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.
"I was anticipating it being difficult to some degree," said Jenifer Swift, describing her job search.  "It's just taken a lot longer than I had anticipated to find something."
Swift, a social service administrator..  moved to Palm Beach County a year ago to be closer to family, but she relocated with no job, and has yet to find one.  "It's tough, but I figure I'm a bright person, I'm a hard worker, and those attributes will pay off," said Swift.