Small Town News

Unemployment up in July

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A June unemployment rate of 8.9 percent for Wharton County is closer to the national average, 9.5 percent, than it is to the state average, 8.2 percent, according to a news release issued by the Texas Workforce Commission.

For the month of June, the TWC shows Wharton County having a civilian work force of 21,749 with 19,815 working and 1,934 looking for jobs.

The June mark also represents better than a half percent jump from May, when the numbers placed the county work force at 21,638 with an unemployment rate of 8.3 percent. Both percentages are significantly higher than the June 2009 numbers, which had the local work force at 21,893 with an unemployment rate of 7.3 percent.

The TWC news release placed the Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at 8.2 percent in June, down from 8.3 percent in May. The state rate continues to trend well below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 9.5 percent for the same month. Texas' total nonagricultural employment grew by 14,000 jobs in June for a total of 166,100 jobs gained since the beginning of 2010.

'Texas employment has grown every month in 2010," said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. "Notably, Texas employers in goods producing industries added jobs in the month of June, which included gains in Manufacturing, Construction, and Mining and Logging."

The Education and Health Services industry recorded the highest increase in June, with 8,900 jobs added, followed by Professional and Business Services, which increased by 8,600 jobs.

"While I am encouraged by the decrease in the Texas unemployment rate, times are tough for Texas workers and their families," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. "Job seekers should turn to WorkInTexas.com and our workforce centers across Texas for reemployment and support services."

In June, Manufacturing added 5,700 jobs, Construction grew by 4,800 jobs, and Mining and Logging increased by 2,900 jobs. Employment in the Trade, Transportation and Utilities industry was up by 3,000 jobs, and Information added 800 jobs.

"Seven industries added jobs in June including Professional and Business Services, Manufacturing, and Construction that's positive news for Texans seeking new opportunities," said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Al-cantar. 'TWC and the 28 local workforce boards are committed to helping job seekers find these opportunities, and to helping employers with an array of services they need to run their businesses."

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 5.9 percent. The Am-arillo MSA had the second lowest unemployment rate in June at 6.0 percent, followed by the Lubbock MSA at 6.7 percent (not seasonally adjusted).

The Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown civilian labor force in June showed 2.888 million available for work with an unemployment rate of 8.8 percent, up from 8.3 percent in May. The June 2009 rate was 8.2 percent.

For Victoria, the CLF was 59,000 with an unemployment rate of 8.0. The May rate for the city was 7.6 percent while the June 2009 rate was 8.0.



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© 2010 East Bernard Express East Bernard, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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