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October 2, 2025
Worker shortages remain a challenge, with job openings holding steady
NFIB’s September jobs report found that 32% of small business owners had job openings they could not fill, the same as in August. The last time that number fell below 32% was in July 2020. Twenty-eight percent of owners reported openings for skilled workers, and 13% reported openings for unskilled workers. Both figures were unchanged from the previous month.
NFIB State Director Gregg Thompson said the national survey reflects conditions in North Carolina.
“Many of our small business members say it’s still difficult for them to find enough people with the skills and experience that are needed,” Thompson said. “Small businesses can’t grow if they don’t have enough workers, and that affects the larger community.”
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