Employment and Workforce Executive Director Dan Ellzey’s Statement

December 2020 Employment Situation

“The latest release shows a slight uptick to 4.6% in December 2020 from November’s revised unemployment rate of 4.4%. Unfortunately, we lost 3,646 jobs from the ranks of the employed,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director, Dan Ellzey.

“There’s no doubt that December 2020 was filled with uncertainty as the CARES Act federal programs came to an end, and we all watched and waited to see if federal extensions would be signed into law. Now that our agency has swiftly implemented the FPUC, PUA and PEUC extensions, we are encouraging claimants to look at opportunities in the new year,” stated Ellzey.

“Through Project Job One, we continue to promote the 75,000 jobs posted in the SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) portal. These are great jobs, and those who are quick to take action and apply for these positions will get the best jobs. Not only that, they will be receiving additional perks such as medical benefits and retirement opportunities. Waiting could mean missing this opportunity. Conducting a few work searches each week can increase someone’s chance of finding a job exponentially, and by doing the work search through the SCWOS app at the same time they certify their UI claim in the SCDEW app, they engage in a habit that could be the key to employment. Using these free smartphone tools is convenient and eliminates the broadband and technology barriers faced by many people in rural counties,” continued Ellzey.

“We know that the federal program extensions for FPUC, PUA and PEUC will provide benefits through March 13, 2021. However, we understand there is anxiety for claimants who are constantly worried about looming deadlines and benefits coming to an end; the chance that extensions won’t be approved, won’t be approved in time to avoid a gap in benefits, or that eligibility requirements might change. Our goal is to help claimants find employment that provides permanency that unemployment benefits do not,” said Ellzey.

“Please know that a weekly work search and our SC Works Center partners statewide can help you with the job search process. There is nothing to lose and a lot to gain,” concluded Ellzey.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE: For a better understanding of how the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics utilizes trained Census Bureau employees to capture critical labor force data each month, you can read the full PDF explanation here: https://www.bls.gov/cps/cps_htgm.pdf.

About the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce

The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce is putting South Carolinians to work. The agency has four missions: (1) workforce development; (2) free job match employment services; (3) unemployment insurance; and (4) labor market information. All four missions contribute to workforce development. The agency is dedicated to advancing South Carolina through services and programs that meet the needs of our businesses, jobseekers and those looking to advance their careers.