Local employment experts say job listings frequently going unfilled in Kempsey

Houses are selling the second they hit the market, and there are fears all the new faces coming to the bush could kick off an employment crisis as well.

However, according to the Manager of Key Employment in Kempsey, Lisa Reed, and 2IC Adelle Asgar, these fears may be unfounded, at least in Kempsey.

"In the last 12 months, we have managed to assist 94 per cent of our NDIS clients in finding meaningful work experience or paid employment," Lisa said.

"In our experience, the issue isn't finding jobs; there are plenty available for people willing to work, our biggest issue is finding people to fill them.

"We have jobs coming in, employers crying out for people to work, and a lot of the time, they sadly go unfilled due to a shortage of workers."

It's becoming an all too familiar story, with many businesses across the Mid North Coast struggling to fill positions for one reason or another.

A lack of skilled workers and access to local training are among the many reasons being blamed for staff shortages; so far, new arrivals to the region have had no noticeable effect on the job market.

"From what we've seen in the last 12 months, there isn't a danger of people from the cities moving here and taking our jobs," Adelle said.

"We advertised a position recently, and all the resumes were people who have long-standing ties to the area.

"COVID has changed the workforce; a lot of the people moving here from the city keep their old jobs and are working remotely."

Key Employment primarily works with people who have a disability or long term medical condition to help them find meaningful employment.

Anybody interested in learning more, either for themselves, or a family member can contact Key Employment on 02 6563 1455 for more information.

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