JOB SERVICE OFFICE MAY BE MADE SATELLITE

The Cape Girardeau Job Service Office could become a satellite office of the Missouri Division of Employment Security at Sikeston and have fewer employees.

The Division of Employment Security is considering the change as a result of the retirement of Cape Girardeau Job Service Office manager Jackie Cecil.

"Anytime a Job Service Office manager retires we look at ways of consolidation instead of replacement," said Rex Hall, district manager for the Division of Employment Security.

The Cape Girardeau Job Service Office at 6 Girardeau Court employs 13 people. If it becomes a satellite office it would have fewer employees and probably move but would offer the same services, said Hall.

Hall said none of the employees here would lose their jobs but would be offered transfers to offices elsewhere.

Hall said the division is looking for ways to save money.

"Currently unemployment insurance benefits are being arranged by telephone and computer," said Hall. "We are looking at alternative services and are following the national trend of downsizing."

At one time the Cape Girardeau Job Service Office employed approximately 40 people. Budget cuts, modernization and computerization trimmed the staff to 20 while it was at its previous site at 1219 N. Kingshighway. In 1993 the office was moved to its present site.

The Cape Girardeau Job Service Office provides services in three counties -- Cape Girardeau, Perry and Bollinger -- and a portion of north Scott County. Six Job Service Offices are operating in the 18- county Southeast Missouri region.