![A rude awakening awaits many unemployed in Massachusetts [OPINION]](http://www.lifestylenewsmagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/attachment-Dunkin.jpg "attachment-Dunkin.jpg")
An estimated 303,590 Massachusetts residents who receive expanded unemployment benefits under the federal government’s COVID relief programs will face a rude awakening this week when those benefits expire.
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development says 363,882 people in Massachusetts were receiving unemployment benefits as of August 14. Most of the applicants received the increased federal benefits. All of that will come to an end by the end of this week. Many will wish they started looking for a job sooner instead of waiting until the last minute.
The State House News Service reports, “Only the 60,292 applicants in the state’s traditional unemployment insurance programs will continue to receive benefits.” In other words, yikes! It’s time to panic and a lot of people are panicking right now.
All summer we have seen companies post vacancies, many of which offered ridiculous wages and benefits, and in some cases signed rewards to attract needed workers. I don’t know if the beach has been too much of a distraction for some unemployed or if they have bet that benefits will be extended, but here we are.
The State House News Service reports that Governor Charlie Baker has proposed spending money under the American Rescue Plan Act to fund a $ 240 million training program. The Massachusetts legislature has so far been calm about the idea.
Barry Richard / Townsquare Media
No one on the verge of losing their benefits should be shocked and hard to feel sorry for. They knew the end was coming, and yet they waited until the last minute to start looking for a job. Finding the perfect opportunity has suddenly become much more difficult. I suspect that some of the plum incentives for turning burgers will dry up as more people re-enter the job market.
Much luck! I hope everyone lands on their feet.
Barry Richard is the host of the Barry Richard Show at 1420 WBSM New Bedford. It can be heard on weekdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @ BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this comment are solely those of the author.