2008 Employment Results
Good employment is vital as the primary means of keeping people stable and out of poverty. The questions that follow asked respondents about the wages of their current employment, whether they feel adequately qualified to advance in their current employment situation or if they need additional skills, training, or education, and if they are currently unemployed and need assistance finding employment. Asking these questions demonstrates what respondents' greatest need are in finding, keeping, and advancing in employment.
While it is encouraging that the majority of respondents indicated they are employed and have the skills necessary to advance in their current job situation there is still a notable percentage of the respondents who are unemployed or lack necessary skills for advancement. Additionally, fifty-three percent agreed that they would like to further their education to increase their household income. Having adequate education to obtain better wages is an ongoing concern in Nebraska; one which these respondents have confirmed. The high percentage of respondents who would like to obtain more education in the hope of better wages also suggests that many Nebraskans are getting by on a tight budget that may not be meeting all their needs.
Focus group respondents raised additional concerns related to employment and wages. A Scottsbluff resident noted that credit checks are being used by employers and it eliminates the chance of a job for many people who badly need employment but have poor credit.
Residents in Sidney and Scottsbluff observed that a low unemployment rate simply meant higher numbers of working poor, especially in the service industry. Many people are employed but still lack basic necessities and have difficulty meeting their families' needs.
| Response | Number of Respondents | Percent of Respondents |
| Disagree a lot | 281 |
10.85% |
| Disagree a little | 298 | 11.51% |
| Agree a little | 606 | 23.41% |
| Agree a lot | 720 | 27.81% |
| Does not Apply | 585 | 22.60% |
| Blank | 99 | 3.82% |
| Total Valid | 2490 | 96.18% |
| Total | 2589 | 100% |
| Response | Number of Respondents | Percent of Respondents |
| Disagree a lot | 498 |
19.24% |
| Disagree a little | 273 | 10.54% |
| Agree a little | 576 | 22.25% |
| Agree a lot | 474 | 18.31% |
| Does not Apply | 686 | 26.50% |
| Blank | 82 | 3.17% |
| Total Valid | 2507 | 96.83% |
| Total | 2589 | 100% |
| Response | Number of Respondents | Percent of Respondents |
| Disagree a lot | 244 |
9.42% |
| Disagree a little | 203 | 7.84% |
| Agree a little | 509 | 19.66 |
| Agree a lot | 901 | 34.80% |
| Does not Apply | 652 | 25.18% |
| Blank | 80 | 3.09% |
| Total Valid | 2509 | 96.91% |
| Total | 2589 | 100% |
| Response | Number of Respondents | Percent of Respondents |
| Disagree a lot | 865 |
33.41% |
| Disagree a little | 202 | 7.80% |
| Agree a little | 232 | 8.96 |
| Agree a lot | 249 | 9.62% |
| Does not Apply | 897 | 34.65% |
| Blank | 144 | 5.56% |
| Total Valid | 2445 | 94.44% |
| Total | 2589 | 100% |