Businesses say they have had more trouble finding good help than they have ever had before. The situation has gotten so bad at Gypsy's Shiny Diner in Cary that the general manager and owner have to take turns with the wait staff to keep the customers happy.
Patrons like Pam Howell say the service has not suffered at the restaurant, but she cannot say that about most local businesses.
"It's not what I think it should be or where I have seen it before," Howell says.
Down the road from the diner, Lowes Supermarket is in a similar situation. The grocery store is looking for a dozen employees.
"Years ago, I always thought it could not get any worse until I started working in Cary, and it's probably the most difficult job market that I have been in," says co-manager Matt Phillips.
Employers are trying to attract employees with higher pay and perks. According to theEmployment Security Commission, some fast food companies are offering up to $10 a hour to start.
The latest figures show the Triangle has an unemployment rate of less than 2 percent.
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