ESCANABA — Like the rest of the U.S., the coronavirus pandemic has made the local area’s jobless rate skyrocket from April 2019 to April 2020, That has caused agencies like Michigan Works to change its focus to meet community needs.

Delta County’s unemployment rate went from 5.2% to 23.5%, Menominee County 4% to 14.5%, and Schoolcraft Country 7% to 22.2%. Michigan’s unemployment rate was 4.3% in April 2019 and 22.7% in April 2020, Nevada is the only state with a higher rate of 28.2%. Nationally the rate was 14.7%. In February, Michigan’s unemployment rate was 3.6%. The leisure and hospitality sector has been hit the hardest in Michigan, losing close to 60% of its jobs.

Michigan Works Director of Workforce Services in the Upper Peninsula, Debb Brunell, has seen the focus of the organization change quiet a bit since March.

“All of our attention went to unemployment instead of re-employment. A lot of people mistake us for unemployment and support,” she said.

The requirement to register for work at Michigan Works has changed, due to COVID-19.

“Though people didn’t have to come in and register, it (COVID-19) added a lot of work for us because people couldn’t get through to file unemployment and they would call us. They still call us. A large part of our work now is responding to people who need help with their unemployment issues in the U.P. We have changed our focus to meet the needs of the community,” said Brunell.

According to what Brunell hears, not a lot of people on unemployment are calling to find another job.

“Some struggles we’ve heard from employers are, being hesitant of COVID fear, making good money staying home…that’s unfortunate. Soon the PUA (pandemic unemployment assistance) will be discontinued and I think we’ll see more people looking for work then,” Brunell said.

In addition to helping people with their unemployment issues Michigan Works is helping the state of Michigan get the word out about the Work Share Program. Rather than being laid off, eligible employees work a reduced number of hours during the week and receive a portion of unemployment benefits. Employers retain trained employees.

“That is a win-win for employer and employee,” said Brunell.

From what Brunell witnesses on the local job market, the outlook is positive.

“There is a lot of good going on, a lot of positive indicators,” she said. “All the information isn’t in and businesses are ramping up slowly … we’re not sure how a lot of the smaller businesses will be affected.”

Michigan Works is aiding businesses in preparing their re-engagement plan to submit to the state, a requirement before opening.

“Michigan Works has been here, worked all the way through. We have been helping people with issues that are not our primary purpose. We’ve adjusted, and … we’ll be here to help them find a job, and businesses find employees,” Brunell said.