Despite historically high unemployment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants in Massachusetts are struggling to find help. A message on the window of Juniper in Wellesley reads, “Hire Now.” Owner Dave Becker said it has been difficult to find help for his Mediterranean restaurant lately. He said some who used to work in the industry had found other jobs or were rethinking their careers because of the pandemic. “It was definitely tough,” said Becker. “I have the feeling that a lot of my employees have moved to hopefully greener pastures, I would say. Like different pastures.” The Massachusetts Restaurant Association also said some employees make more money while unemployed. “Summer is coming and they’re unemployed. Why not have fun this summer? It’s the only reason I can think of,” said Lisa Stewart, owner of Emma Lisa’s Breakfast and Lunch in Quincy. Stewart said she usually has a fair number of walk-in applicants and good luck with some search ads online, but not this year. She hopes word of mouth and employee referrals will make a positive difference.
WELLESLEY, Mass. –
Despite historically high unemployment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants in Massachusetts are struggling to find help.
A message on the window of Juniper in Wellesley reads, “Now Hiring.”
Owner Dave Becker said it has been difficult to find help for his Mediterranean restaurant lately. He said some who used to work in the industry had found other jobs or were rethinking their careers because of the pandemic.
“It was definitely tough,” said Becker. “I have the feeling that a lot of my employees have moved to hopefully greener pastures, I would say. Like different pastures.”
The Massachusetts Restaurant Association also said some employees make more money while unemployed.
“Summer is coming and they’re unemployed. Why not have fun this summer? It’s the only reason I can think of,” said Lisa Stewart, owner of Emma Lisa’s Breakfast and Lunch in Quincy.
Stewart said she usually has a slew of walk-in applicants and good luck with some search ads online, but not this year. She hopes word of mouth and employee referrals will make a positive difference.
