More job layoffs (Charleston, Florence, Newberry: 2009, mortgage, find a job)

[Luvsdabeach]

It is getting really bad. Anyone planning on moving to SC really needs to have a job lined up before moving here.

Charleston, SC Latest Business News: 1,000 more jobs lost
WaMu to cut 500 jobs from Florence mortgage center

Associated Press
Thursday, December 4, 2008



FLORENCE — More than 500 workers at Washington Mutual's mortgage processing office in Florence will lose their jobs as the company is taken over by JPMorgan Chase & Co.
JPMorgan Chase spokeswoman Nancy Norris told WBTW-TV that the jobs will be phased out over the next year, leaving just 380 people at the center by the end of 2009.
Norris says 120 workers were given 60-day notices this week. The rest of the employees losing their jobs will work for at least the next several months helping with the takeover. The workers will get severance packages and other compensation.
Last year, the mortgage processing center was one of Florence County's largest employers with 1,150 workers.

[Skyliner]

Newberry County just received bad news yesterday as well. 570 jobs will be lost when a sock factory closes by the end of January.

There are new jobs in the pipeline, but with so many losing their jobs, the competition for the new jobs is steadily growing. This is not at all unique to South Carolina. This is a nationwide problem, and in many cases much worse in other states.

[ranger17]

yeah, it is national. We've had areas lose thousands of jobs due to GM plant closing, plus all the companies out now that supplied that plant.
So while having a job lined up before moving anywhere is the normal response; in some instances people are having to start all over where they are now, and if there isn't anything for them there, they need to go someplace else to look.... so may as well have that "someplace" be in a region they choose.
Hopefully one of these "fixes" take hold to start the healing process; whether it's the potential 4.5% max mortgage rate, etc...
And ( my .02 inserted here ) maybe if the press reported the news without seemingly overdoing it--the panic level could be lower, which in turn may help keep the consumers in the game.

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by ranger17

And ( my .02 inserted here ) maybe if the press reported the news without seemingly overdoing it--the panic level could be lower, which in turn may help keep the consumers in the game.

Totally agree w/you, so tired of only being reported the bad news and about how terrible it is out there. I don't even bother watching it any more. What about the fact that every NFL, and major college football game is continuing to sell out? While watching the OSU-Miami bball game the other night, they previewed the Duke-Purdue game, and they reported that tickets were going for as much as $500!!! Are you kidding me? For an early December college game?

[ranger17]

the one point that sticks with me; if the average consumer is spending 2% less right now-- means if i was going to spend $100 on clothing, i'd instead spend $98. A negligable change, and it's compared to growth years. I understand that when spread across the US, that this small amount adds up for the retailers ( I am in distribution so I do see it as well ); but the consumer is still out there. Slower times? Yes. Spending less? In many cases, yes. But they/we are still consuming.
I just don't know how many more news flashes I can get on my screen about another drop in this or that--the common person reacts to what they see/hear and i believe the reports are part of the blame.
OK, since i did not master in economics, I better get off the soapbox; besides I have to go scrape my windows before driving home.....

oh, that $500 for a game ticket?? right now buys a nice flat panel tv to watch it on at home!!

[Luvsdabeach]

Yes it is national and there seems to be no end in sight. Are we going to see the unemployment numbers like we did back in the early 1980's? I hope not! I don't know what the answer is but hopefully someone will find one soon.

[Geechie North]

You get that in a depression.

Layoffs, massive ones, that is.

States with largest % of Middle Class will suffer the most as we slide into unmistakable 3rd world status.

[SCGamecock]

Regarding Washington Mutual laying off 510 employees in Florence, the Wellman Industries plant in nearby Darlington closed and lost 550 jobs. However, Florence has announced Monster.com is in the process of hiring 700, H.J Heinz is hiring 350, the QVC distribution center is hiring 200, and The Assurant Group is hiring 100.

[ranger17]

I have seen articles that show job placement and job service locations are hiring to help with the influx of newly unemployed.... seems like an odd twist of fate...

[Mrs. P]

Anyone moving anywhere right now, needs to have a job lined up period. It scares me when I read the city data boards about how many people are trying to move to someplace else because they can't find a job...seriously this is affecting the entire country, and pretty much moving to another state, isn't going to help much, other than put the movee in farther debt...it costs to move, unless you have a relative you can stay with.

I remember the layoffs in the 80's, and this is MUCH MUCH worse. No one in the 80's (well maybe Chrysler) was asking for financial help like what we see now.

I thank God every day for my job.