Small Town News

Local unemployment rate higher than state average

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While the State of Texas unemployment rate is well below the national average, the July rate in Wharton County was closer to the national than the state norm.

The non-adjusted July unemployment rate for the county was 9.0, according to the Texas Workforce Commission Web site. In the TWC monthly news release, it reports the Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 8.2 percent in July, unchanged from June, and continued to trend well below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 9.5 percent.

In addition to being higher than the state average, the county figure went up compared to June, when the rate was 8.9 percent. For the month, the county's labor force was 21,980 with 20,001 working and 1,979 unemployed. In June, those numbers were 21,757,19,826 and 1,931.

The 2010 rate continues to run higher than 2009 numbers. The July 2009 work force showed the county with a work force of 21,688 with 20,060 working and 1,628 unemployed for an unemployment rate of 7.5 percent.

For the state, total nonagricultural employment grew by 4,600 jobs in July for a total of 168,900 jobs gained since January.

"Private sector employers in Texas continued adding jobs in July, a trend we've seen since the first of the year," said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. "Significant Government job losses offset much of the gains in the private sector in July."

The Professional and Business Services industry recorded its largest monthly job gain in more than a decade with 12,600 positions added in July. Employment in Financial Activities was up by 3,700 jobs.

"Consistent job growth over

many industries provides op I portunities for Texans, but we

»remain concerned about those

who have not been able to find work, especially the long-term unemployed," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. 'TWC and the 28 local workforce boards are committed to helping job seekers find these opportunities."

Mining and Logging employment grew by 4,600 jobs in July and has added jobs for six consecutive months.

The Construction and Manufacturing industries each added 4,300 jobs in July.

'Texas employers are regaining ground with broad-based job growth in seven industries in July, highlighted by gains in Professional and Business Services," said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. "Job seekers should turn to WorkInTexas.com and our

workforce centers across Texas for reemployment and support services."

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 5.7 percent. The Amarillo MSA had the second lowest unemployment rate in July at 5.8 percent, followed by the San An-gelo MSA at 6.6 percent (not seasonally adjusted).



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© 2011 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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