Hazelwood Patch Introduces 'Who's Hiring' Feature

Earlier in the month Patch reported on the difficulties area residents were having finding a job. The artilce, entitled "," spawned a bigger idea at Patch. Why not be a resource for those on the hunt for decent employment, or any employment for that matter?

The job market took a hit several years ago with the recession, but employers may be starting to hire again.

Kim Braddy, executive director of the Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce, said via email that she has seen a slight increase in employment. She said chamber members are listing more job opportunities on the organization’s website.

“Where as the trend was more of an employers market, it’s starting to flip a bit,” she wrote.

A mixed bag for the region

But, the overall unemployment rate in the St. Louis area recently increased. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on June 29 that unemployment in St. Louis inched-up in May. The newspaper indicated 2,900 jobs were cut in the month, expanding the St. Louis jobless rate 8.6 percent.

Thousands of St. Louis County residents continue to rely on government help. According to the Missouri Department of Labor & Industrial Relations, 9,960 county residents received unemployment benefits as of May 2011. More than 4,000 workers from St. Louis City received benefits at the same time.

Jefferson City hasn’t ignored the issue. Missouri Watchdog reported in April that Governor Jay Nixon signed a bill extending unemployment benefits. State Sen. Jim Lembke of St. Louis County said the bill was wasteful spending, the news site reported.

So, Who's Hiring?

Starting July 1, Hazelwood Patch will bring you a weekly list of jobs from across the region. The opportunities we list will be from assorted industries, so check back often.