People of all ages look for work

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An employer's market

Updated: Tuesday, 07 Apr 2009, 8:14 PM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 07 Apr 2009, 4:40 PM EDT

Old Lyme (WTNH) - As the temperatures start to rise, employers are searching for seasonal workers. And with the unemployment rate reaching record levels, you could see plenty of competition.

There are some help wanted signs out there but most places don't even post jobs like that. And that's because there are plenty of people who just walk in off the street looking for work.

Teddy and Maria Anastasiou can't wait for summer. That's when their shoreline Pizza Palace really picks up.

"About thirty percent more than the winter time," said Teddy.

Already folks have come in looking for seasonal jobs.

"At least two or three a day; they're coming in and they're looking for a job," said Maria.

Most get turned away. Even one of their long time customers now wants work.

"He was working as mechanic, a mechanic and he got laid off," said Maria.

"They're older ages now, even older people 50's, 60's," said Teddy. "We've had some people in their 60'ss come in looking for a job. They're begging us."

It's good news for a New London restaurant which is holding a job fair to attract new employees.

Right now the Bulkeley House is closed but come this summer it's open seven days a week and business is booming which is why folks want to hire 60 to 80 new employees.

Everyone from bathroom attendants to wait staff and bartenders. Seasonal help has been very easy for Dan Putnam to find. No longer are just high school and college kids looking to lifeguard, be gate attendants or playground councilors in East Lyme.

"We've seen an increase in the number of applications we've received and we've also seen the people that are out of work looking for part time seasonal work as well," said Dan Putnam of the East Lyme Parks and Recreation.

More people, fewer jobs. Many of the 75 positions will go to returning workers.

"If they did a good job for us and we know they're a solid employee then yes we hire them back," said Putnam.

It's an employer's market for sure.

"There's more people looking for jobs than ever before," said Teddy.

The job fair will take place at the Bulkeley House restaurant next week on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.