Ala. unemployment rate rises again

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Lamichael Kirksey is a veteran, he is also unemployed. Kirksey came to Alabama's Career Center on Springhill Road in Mobile to find a job.

Kirksey said he doesn't want just any job, but a career.

"Something you can take care of your family with. You know anyone can get a $5 an hour job, whatever minimum wage is, but a decent job. One you can take care of your family with, that's about it," said Kirksey.

Kirksey certainly isn't alone in his quest for employment. Figures released Wednesday show more than 228,000 people are unemployed in Alabama or roughly 11.1 pecent. That is up from December's rate of 10.9 percent. It's a decline in wage and salary employment of $30,800.

Sierra Giles has been unemployed for nearly a year. Giles said there are days when she doesn't eat. Like Kirksey, Giles is applying for a job at the Alabama Career Center.

"This is the longest I have been unemployed. I am serious about seeking employment, it is critical to me. I really need to find a job, at this point I will accept anything," added Giles.

The 23-year-old said bills are piling up and she has to find some kind of work.

Mobile County's unemployment rate is higher than the state's at 12.6 percent. Baldwin County is also higher at 11.4 percent.

Heather Childs hopes the economy turns around soon. She's been looking for a job for two months.

"It is horrible, really bad because you are struggling and there are no jobs out there," said Childs.

"You go to interviews and then they may call you back and say we only have such and such hours, and you have rent and bills," shared Childs.

Childs said she feels for the people who have families.

"It is really hard to try and make it out there," she added.

The Alabama Department of Industrial Relations said job loss occurred across the board in trade, transportation, and construction to name a few. Jobs in education and the health services sector actually grew.

Conecuh and Monroe counties had two of the highest unemployment rates in the state.

Mobile Works an organization dedicated to building a world-class workforce is holds job readiness classes.

Here is their schedule:

Tuesday

11a.m. - 12 noon Resume Writing

3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Job Hunting 101

Thursday

11 a.m. - 12 noon Interviewing

9 p.m. - 4 p.m. Dressing for Success

The city of Mobile along with the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission is hosting a job fair, Friday April 23, at the Mobile Civic Center from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.