Elgin Bakers Have Jobs But No Takers

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CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A 66-year-old bakery in Elgin is taking an extra day off on the day after Labor Day to give their small staff a break. 

The co-owner says they could use more help, but people don’t seem comfortable looking for a job these days.

Herb’s Bakery used to have 20 people working there. But then there was COVID, canceled weddings and a total bakery shutdown for a month.

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Co-owner Wendy Wessel said Herb’s has gone down to a staff of 8.

“I don’t think they feel safe going out and looking for jobs,” she says of job applicants. “And it’s really hurting a lot of places.“You want to stay open, you want to keep your same hours, but you just. We can only push these people so far.”

Wessel posted a message on Facebook, that due to “an extreme staff shortage,” they’re limiting their hours next week and taking the Tuesday after Labor Day off.

“‘The ones here sure do deserve it!!” she said.