States push jobless from virus recession to return to work

May 11, 20210

Wilson Ring, Associated Press count

Eduardo Rovetto poses outside his restaurant Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge in Stowe, Vt., on Saturday, May 8, 2021. Rovetto says he would like to hire between 15 and 20 workers before what is expected to be a busy summer tourist season, but he's not getting enough interest. Similar complaints are heard across the country and many states, including Vermont, are beginning to push those who lost jobs during the pandemic back into the workforce.

STOWE, Vt. - Eduardo Rovetto is hoping the state of Vermont's reinstated requirement that people who are collecting unemployment benefits must seek work to qualify will help him hire enough staff for his restaurant in the resort town of Stowe.

After more than a year of coronavirus restrictions on his business, Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge, he's expecting a breakout summer tourism season. But like employers across the country, he's worried he won't have enough workers.

"We've been getting many excuses as to why not to return," said Rovetto, who is offering a signing bonus of up to $600 to try to add 15 to 20 employees who agree to stay through the middle of October. "Obviously, it was a legitimate one with COVID, but, you know, I think that's getting used less and less now. The vaccines are free; they are out there for anyone."

https://www.startribune.com/states-push-jobless-from-virus-recession-to-return-to-work/600055614/