Local businesses expect easier hiring with federal pandemic unemployment benefits expired

The federal pandemic unemployment benefits have expired. Millions of Americans relied on that aid after layoffs from the pandemic caused financial burdens.

In recent months, many local businesses News Channel 3 spoke to said they struggled to find enough workers to fill open positions. Many of those businesses said they blamed the federal pandemic unemployment benefits.

Hiring prospects for local businesses might be looking up now that the federal unemployment benefits from the pandemic expired. The owner of Big Wheel Tours, Evan Trubee, said he's seen a surge of applicants in recent weeks.

"Applicants rather, come in for interviews and say, I mean, just straightforward, 'Well, unemployment is running out, and I need to start looking for a job,'" said Trubee. "I think it's going to coincide nicely with the start of the tourist season."

Ray Rodriguez, the owner of Casuelas Cafe, said he agrees with the timing.

"The timing is actually really good for our industry in the hospitality industry in the desert as a whole," said Rodriguez.

Rodirguez said he's also struggled with hiring more people in recent months. Saying he hopes to soon lighten the load on his employees who have worked longer hours. 

"Even though they're getting well compensated, that's a lot of work. Our work is physical, it's demanding," said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez has already already seen more hires at his other restaurants in the valley. 

"Our Cork Tree restaurant, a very upscale restaurant, we've had a rash of applications, we've had some new hires. So we're fairly well fully staffed there," said Rodriguez.

Both business owners agree that their hiring prospects are better than before now that the extra aid has expired.

"There's gonna be plenty of work out there. If you're interested. Go go knock on some doors, you'll get hired," said Rodriguez.