Workers want jobs but fail drug tests

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The head of a Wisconsin business group says one reason employers cannot find skilled workers is that too many of them are failing drug tests.

Jim Morgan of the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Foundation says more companies are giving drug tests to job applicants, especially in factories, due to safety concerns. Morgan says it’s a long-term problem that’s helping cause a shortage of skilled workers.

He says some communities are trying to solve it, like Manitowoc. Annie Short coordinates a project that aims to get Manitowoc County residents healthier – and she says up to half of companies’ potential employees are failing drug tests.

Short told the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter it’s a vicious cycle. She says some people are turning to drugs to cope with being unemployed, but they cannot get the jobs because they fail the drug test.

Tags: business, health, wisconsin