Employment and Workforce Executive Director Dan Ellzey’s Statement
March 2022 Employment Situation

Columbia, S.C. – “More good news for South Carolina as employment numbers continue to move in positive directions. The number of people participating in the labor force is larger than it has ever been at 2,384,364. While the Labor Force Participation Rate remains at 57.2%, there are nearly 68,000 more people in the labor force than pre-pandemic, and the South Carolina Labor Force Participation Task Force is continuing to examine the state’s challenges and opportunities to increase the rate,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director Dan Ellzey.

“The number of people employed is 2,303,592. That is 54,239 more South Carolinians working than pre-pandemic and the unemployment rate inched down to 3.4% in March from February’s rate of 3.5%,” continued Ellzey. “However, we expect to see a rise in initial claims this month as problems with the supply chain affect employers like the auto industry.”

“Our agency continues to do its part to provide connections between jobseekers and employers. Earlier this week, we announced the launch of the SC Works Veterans Portal which helps military personnel transition to civilian jobs,” stated Ellzey. “This is an important tool to help individuals with strong work and soft skills find jobs in South Carolina with one of the many employers who are looking for skilled candidates.”

“We have also been very busy in our SC Works partnership, helping promote job fairs and hiring events for businesses throughout the state. There are lots of success stories from these events, and we encourage both employers and people looking for a job to use the free services and support of the SC Works centers,” concluded Ellzey.