The weak economy is effecting local jobs. The latest unemployment numbers are out, and they are not good. In fact, South Carolina is one of two states to show the largest jump for December. Unemployment throughout the Palmetto state is at 9.5%, from November 2008. One of the hardest hit Midlands counties, is Fairfield. More than 14% of the people there are jobless, and fighting not to become hopeless.
"Finally I got my job, but it took trouble getting it," said recently employed Alysia Harper.
Harper says it took months, before she found work at a Fairfield County Wendy's restaurant. Manager Chaka Wells says shortly after Harper started, came a hiring freeze.
"I do feel bad because everybody deserves a chance," said Wells. "And most of the people in the area do have children."
Robin McManus with the Fairfield County, Employment One Stop Center, says the tough economy effects everyone.
"College kids coming out of school, now they are competing with professionals who have been laid off," said McManus.
December unemployment hit a record high with more than 200,000 people across South Carolina looking for work.
"You have people call in or they're sitting at your desk and they're just in tears because they don't know how they're going to pay their bills," said McManus.
In 2008 the Employment Security Commission, found themselves paying more out in unemployment benefits than they had coming in in taxes.
"We have had to ask the federal government for loans to help us to pay those benefits," said McManus.
A move that has put the commission at odds with Governor Mark Sanford. National unemployment now tops 7% and may grow.
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