There is a serious concern I have here in the Diocese of Charleston and throughout the state of South Carolina. My concern is for the number of people who are unemployed or underemployed. The situation, while seeming to improve over the last few months, remains a rather bleak one for all affected by the economy.
When workers lose their jobs or those new to the job market are unable to find employment commensurate with their education and skills, it not only has an impact on them financially but can have a profound effect on their emotional life, their family life, and even on their spiritual well-being.
In South Carolina, the unemployment rate was 11.5 percent in August, down two-tenths of one percent since July. This is higher than the national average of 9.7 percent.