Welcome to

The fight for holiday jobs is underway and the good news is there are more part-time jobs this year than last. Some Florida retailers are hiring as many as 40 percent more part-time workers this year. As Whitney Ray tells us, jobs are up because sales are expected to rise four percent.

Cheryl Page plans to spend more this holiday season.

“Sales are up and I’m ready to shop,” said Page.

So does Helen.

“Probably because the grandkids are all older,” said Helen.

After back-to-back years of slouching sales, Florida retailers are expecting a four percent climb this holiday shopping season. And more sales means stores will need more employees. The Florida Retail Federation expects seasonal hiring to increase 40 percent.

The news is good for Florida’s sagging economy and 11.9 percent unemployment rate.

It’s also good for Cheryl who is helping her son look for a job.

“He’s got children he needs to buy items for, for the holidays,” said Cheryl.

Seasonal workers have a better shot this year of turning a holiday job into full time employment. JC Penney Store Manager Ken Dehart says they’ll keep the best.

“If someone is outstanding they have a great chance of staying aboard,” said Ken.

And with 1.1 million Floridians unemployed, finding qualified help won’t be hard.