Officials Work to Combat Orange County’s Unemployment Rate

Caseworkers talk with a woman in search of work next to a County of Orange business and employment services bus parked for the day for scheduled appointments at the Rossmoor Library in Rossmoor, Calif., on Feb. 9, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Elected officials in Orange County say they’re working to bring the region’s unemployment numbers down to pre-pandemic levels through innovative initiatives.

Orange County’s unemployment rate in January stood at 7.4 percent, up year-over-year by 4.3 percent.

Los Angeles and Orange counties experienced the highest jump in unemployment this past year among the nation’s large metropolitan areas, according to a new study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Anaheim are lumped together in the department’s data, which includes a year-over-year jump in unemployment from 4.4 percent to 11.5 percent—higher than any other recorded area.

South Orange County Job Fair

To help combat the region’s unemployment rate, Supervisor Lisa Bartlett—alongside Orange County Community Services and the Orange County Workforce Development Board—are hosting a South Orange County virtual job fair.

The April 7 event will allow multiple employers to network remotely with job seekers.

Those looking for a job can visit virtual booths to speak with hiring managers, and watch short presentations from employers.

“With significant progress being made in our fight against COVID, the economy is starting to bounce back and employers are looking to hire,” Bartlett said in a statement.

Registration is free for the event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

One-Stop Mobile Unit

Orange County has launched a one-stop mobile computer lab to train and educate job seekers, and businesses.

The center-on-wheels will be parked in a different location every week, traveling between Seal Beach, Aliso Viejo, Foothill Ranch, Irvine, and La Palma.

“The OC one-stop mobile unit will take these services to residents who may not have the time or means to commute,” Supervisor Andrew Do said in a February statement to announce the initiative.

The mobile unit has a 12-station computer lab, with 45-minute appointment slots.   Services are available by appointment only.

Supervisor Don Wagner said the unit would help jobseekers with positions.

“It is an honor to provide residents with the proper tools that will empower them to achieve the power of a paycheck,” Wagner said in a statement. “The OC One-Stop Mobile Unit will help people to explore employment options; we hope they find a brighter future as they enter the workforce.”

For more information, visit the Orange County One-Stop Center’s website or call [phone].