Kansas Unemployment Stays Low, but Labor Shortage Persists
State labor data showed unemployment near historic lows, even as employers across sectors reported difficulty filling open positions.
Kansas unemployment held near historic lows in the latest state labor report, but the tight market has left employers across the economy struggling to fill open positions.
From meatpacking plants in the southwest to aircraft factories in Wichita to hospitals statewide, businesses continue to report that finding workers is their single biggest constraint. Economists point to an aging population, slow labor-force growth, and outmigration of young workers as structural headwinds.
"A low unemployment rate sounds great until you are the one trying to hire fifty people," a state labor economist said. Employers have responded with higher wages, signing bonuses, and expanded training, while some have turned to automation.
Officials say attracting and retaining working-age residents, including immigrants and workers from other states, will be essential to sustaining growth.
