Oct 30, 2008 5:12 pm US/Eastern
Brooklyn Job Fair Welcomes Major Companies
By JOSH LANDIS, CBS 2 News
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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More than 479,000 people filed for unemployment last week – the same number as the week before.
AP
More than 600 people lined up in Brooklyn Thursday for a job fair that comes after the latest report on unemployment numbers was released. The report shows startling numbers: more than 479,000 people filed for unemployment last week – the same number as the week before.
The job fair was a welcome event at the Congregational Nursing Home Building on Linden Boulevard, with nearly 20 companies taking part, including IKEA, UPS, Consolidated Edision, local police and fire departments.
"Things are difficult so I'm everywhere. I'm applying for DOT positions, Con Ed, you know, management everywhere," said Igor Faygenbaum, a college student hunting for a job.
Organizers didn't expect such a large turnout, but it shouldn't come as a surprise. Unemployment in the New York area, while below the national average, has been rising steadily for six months.
"I lost my job due to the economy and I have to get back on my feet," said city resident Genenne Harte. "I have two little children I need to support. I'm a single mother and it's time to get back into the work force."
There are a few bright spots in this troubled job market. According to the Labor Department: retail trade, hospitality, health care, accounting and computer services are still growing.
The city is also hiring, but there's a lot of competition.
"I have noticed there's a lot of experienced professionals out here hitting the pavement looking for a job," said Dave Malone of the National Grid.
And people who CBS 2 met were running out of time.
"[It won't last] much longer. I can get by because I have savings I'm living off, but I don't want to stretch it too far," said job seeker Bernard Sequeira.
So while Wall Street had its bailout, these job seekers are looking for their own relief.
Another job fair like the one held Thursday is likely to be held in a few more months.
Here's a list of the companies that took part:
Bedford Stuyvesant Corporation
Brooklyn Workforce Innovations
Con Edison
Human Resources Administration (HRA)
IKEA
National Grid
NEW
New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
New York Department of Corrections
Office of the New York State Attorney General
The Institute for Community Living
Uncommon Goods;
United Postal Service (UPS)
United States Census Bureau
United States Postal Service
Workforce 1
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