BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) – Businesses in the region are closing at a quick rate and leaving many in Western New York without jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic.
New York State waived the seven-day waiting period for unemployment insurance benefits for people who are out of work because of closures or quarantine due to coronavirus.
VIEW: NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
But for many of you, finding a job may prove difficult in this time because of the 100 percent workforce reduction for non-essential businesses. Still, there are some opportunities as we highlighted last week with Sahlen Packing Company.
"Our offices, even though we're working from home, are still open to working with candidates," Brooke Felgemacher, Branch Manager at the Robert Half Buffalo Recruiting Firm, said. "We've switched to doing video and Skype interviews with any job seekers just to make sure we understand the types of roles that they're qualified for and what they're open to doing. We'll have their information in place so that if we do have any clients that reach out with any need, we're able to provide options for them ASAP."
Felgemacher said they offer temporary employees the opportunity to work from home but she acknowledged that many businesses don't have the technology to work from home and the ones that do already have most of their staff working from home.
While most of the job market has been put on hold, the City of Buffalo is helping individuals find jobs and are welcoming inquiries from job-seekers and employers.
"Due to the governor's order, we've transitioned to a virtual officer," Demone Smith, Executive Director of the Buffalo Employment and Training Center, said. "Under the virtual officer, all staffers are available remotely Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m."
The staff at the training center is helping individuals with job referrals, references, access to their case management system, and video conferencing.
Smith said some workshops will soon be available online.
Smith said that even though many jobs are no longer available, their office was contacted by places like Elderwood and other companies.
