By STEPHANIE BEECKEN
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) – The national and state unemployment rates went up slightly from April to May, but even though they're still lower than a couple years ago many East Tennesseans continue to struggle.
Ron Ford was just one of the hundreds of people applying for a job Tuesday at the new Publix Super Market in Knoxville. He says the reason he's applying is "money, just a job. I just need a job."
Ford has worked in construction almost all his adult life, but he lost his job two years ago. He says he hasn't been able to find another and needs money to pay for basic necessities.
The Publix at Northshore Town Center is expected to open in August. The company is holding a job fair to fill entry level and customer service positions. Representatives say around 70 jobs are available.
Natasha Sadler, 17, is also applying for a position. "I need to help pay for my car insurance a lot because my family is hitting a hard time, too. I'm going to college this year and that's very expensive, too," she said.
She's been searching for a job for the last two years with no success.
Sadler says she believes being young and inexperienced makes finding employment more difficult. "I think it's the age factor as well as the hard economy. There are not as many jobs available," she said.
Ford also thinks age is a factor. He believes employers may feel he's too old.
Both Ford and Sadler hope to get hired, but they understand their odds in today's economy. "I hope it gets better," Ford said. "There's a lot more people out there besides just me, and a lot in worse shape then I am."
The Publix job fair continues Tuesday until 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. It's at Holiday Inn at 304 N. Cedar Bluff Road.
Two more Publix locations have been announced in Knoxville: at the Turkey Creek Shopping Center, 11656 Parkside Drive, and at University Commons, Cumberland Avenue and Volunteer Boulevard. Opening dates are not confirmed yet for those locations.
Applicants filled out paperwork Tuesday morning at the Holiday Inn.
The Publix at Northshore Town Center is expected to open in August.
