Yuma unemployment rate still among highest in the nation

More jobs than applicants in Yuma County - News 11's Arlette Yousif reports

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma's unemployment rate improves slightly from 11.8 percent to 11.3 percent. Still, it's much higher than the national average of six percent, according to the Arizona Commerce Authority. Unemployment benefits are expected to continue until at least September 2021.

Meanwhile, employers are posting available positions on job boards and with employment resource centers such as Arizona@Work. Some are even offering more wages to entice potential workers.

Arizona@Work Business Service Consultant Moises Pimentel says that jobs listed at $16 an hour are receiving more inquiries than jobs paying less. Pimentel says businesses are in need of employees, but the additional unemployment benefits are making it harder to fill positions.

If there are no additional unemployment benefit extensions, the job market is projected to change drastically in favor of employers once again.