LAURINBURG — Although the search for work is improving in Scotland, the county still finds itself with one of the highest unemployment rates in the state.
According to the latest figures released Wednesday by the state Department of Commerce, Scotland’s December jobless rate was 8.7 percent, giving the county the third highest unemployment rate in North Carolina. Only Hyde and Tyrrell counties have a higher rate with 11.6 and 10.3 percent, respectively.
Statewide, the unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in December, up slightly from 4.8 percent in November. The county’s rate was 8.8 percent in November.
Scotland County’s unemployment rate was 9.8 percent in December 2015.
“A lot of it has to do with the improved economy around the country,” said Scotland County Commissioner Guy McCook. “However, there are a lot of people in our community still struggling.”
The county is currently ranked 98 out of the state’s 100 counties. There are were 1,008 individuals looking for work in Scotland County out of a workforce of 11,576 people, according to the report. Buncombe County, located in western North Carolina, had the lowest unemployment rate in the state with a 3.7 percent unemployment rate, but that county had 5,061 people unemployed.
When looking at what attracts jobs to communities, it comes down to an educated workforce — something Scotland County is lacking, according to McCook.
“We have an under-educated workforce,” he said. “We have a lot of folks unemployed who are having trouble getting qualified to fill our jobs.”
Producing those skilled laborers is the biggest hurdle Scotland County faces, according to Mark Ward, Scotland County economic development director.
“It is a black-eye to have one of the highest unemployment rates in the state, but that black-eye will heal,” Ward said.“We need to produce a workforce skilled to do the tasks of today’s manufacturing.”
But Ward said things are improving with Richmond Community College partnering with industry and workers and local officials doing their part to recruit new business.
Recently, Mountaire Farms of North Carolina Inc. announced plans for a new processing facility, which is set to create 65 new jobs in the Scotland County area, Ward said.
“There are jobs available — Service Thread, Cascades, Pioneer will all tell you there are skilled jobs available,” he said. “This county is poised to continue to lower unemployment.”
Laurinburg Mayor Matthew Block said to attract new industry and jobs, the county also needs to lower taxes, have a good community college for training a workforce and lower crime.
“Industries have their choices,” he said. “If they want to be along I-74 and had to choose between Richmond and Scotland County, they will count the tax rate in the decision.”
The jobless rate for surrounding counties for December were: Robeson County at 7.4 percent; Richmond County at 7 percent; Hoke County at 6.2 percent and Moore County at 4.8 percent
