HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The labor force declined in Reno County over the past year as the unemployment rate fell also.

According to numbers released by the Chamber of Commerce, the unemployment rate fell from 4.2 percent in 2016 to 3.4 percent in 2017. But the number of available workers in the county also fell to a total of 29,838 in 2017, down from 30,107 the previous year.

The chamber also noted there are about 1,000 people looking for work on an average month in the county. There are currently more than 650 jobs available with companies constantly looking for workers.

Many manufacturers are finding that the available workforce can’t pass a drug test. One company noted its new hires often show up for work on a Monday, then go missing for several days before returning to work thinking they still have a job.

Chamber President Debra Teufel says that mentality keeps companies from moving to the area. Many in the industry sector feel that high technology and STEM-type jobs have been pushed on school students so much that they miss opportunities to gather necessary vocational skills that can land good paying and needed jobs.

Despite the recent closings and layoffs at several area companies, Teufel says there is still work available for those who want jobs.