Workers wanted: Employers with “essential services” have spaces to fill

By Shereen Siewert

The Department of Workforce Development seeks to connect unemployed job seekers with employers that run essential businesses and offer essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a DWD news release.

While many businesses have temporarily closed and laid off their workers, others are ramping up to fill new jobs that provide essential services. Employers are looking to not only fill new jobs created by economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic but to also prepare for staff members who may be out sick due to illness.

“COVID-19 increased the workload for some employers who deliver essential services,” DWD Secretary Caleb Frostman said. “We want to connect these employers with workers who are looking for work during this time.”

Many people are newly or temporarily unemployed due to COVID-19 restrictions. While wages earned on a part-time basis could reduce weekly unemployment benefits, it can extend the length of time in which benefits can be received.

DWD has created a webpage to connect job seekers to the in-demand jobs posted on JobCenterofWisconsin.com. Posted jobs include healthcare occupations like registered nurse and pharmacist, but also transportation and material moving occupations, such as laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, and light truck or delivery service drivers who help transport supplies, food, and other products that still need to be delivered to grocery stores, restaurants, and hospitals.

Employers looking to connect with job seekers can post positions for free on JobCenterofWisconsin.com, Wisconsin’s free online job search tool. Both employers and job seekers can connect on the site without charge. An employer needing assistance posting jobs on JobCenterofWiscosnin.com can email [email protected] or call 888-258-9966 to connect with a Business Services Representative.

Visit wisconsinjobcenter.org/lookforjobs/in-demand.htm to connect to in-demand jobs in Wisconsin.

As directed in Emergency Order #12, workers at essential businesses must implement social distancing requirements – the practice of keeping at least six feet apart from others and avoiding direct physical contact – as much as possible.