By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – A number of Alabama employment offices across Alabama could end up closing under a plan that's being considered by state officials. But some legislators say the plan raises concerns that rural areas already hit hard by unemployment could be hurt even more. State Department of Industrial Relations Director Phyllis Kennedy says the reorganization of the unemployment offices is a result of years of inadequate funding along with the use of the Internet to help people find jobs. Kennedy says her agency can no longer afford to maintain a network of offices across the state. She says the plan could include consolidating services in places where there are currently several offices. And Kennedy says she wants to try to protect jobs of state employees in those offices.