TWC
Published: 10-17-08
AUSTIN — The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.1 percent in September up from 5.0 percent in August 2008 and 4.3 percent in September 2007. Texas’ unemployment rate remained well below the national rate of 6.1 percent. Seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment in Texas fell by 4000 jobs in September. Texas employers have added 247900 jobs over the past
12 months for an annual growth rate of 2.4 percent.
“September job losses in Texas reflect continued turbulence in the national economy” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “Hurricane Ike has had a major impact on the state’s unemployment claims which have swelled by nearly 300 percent over the past month.
Due to the statistical formula used in our monthly calculations the negative effect of Hurricane Ike won’t begin to register until our October numbers are released.”
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.2 percent (not seasonally adjusted). The Odessa MSA was second at 3.8 percent followed by the Amarillo MSA at 3.9 percent.
Despite the net job loss for September many industries experienced job growth. Education and Health Services added 2300 positions in September for a total of 38800 jobs created since September 2007. Leisure and Hospitality increased by 1600 positions last month for a total of 41900 jobs added in the past 12 months. Professional and Business Services saw gains of 1100 positions in September with 59400 jobs added over the year.
“With nearly 11.8 million workers Texas has recorded the largest labor force in the state’s history despite national economic challenges” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton.
Natural Resources and Mining grew by 2200 jobs in September adding 18000 positions in the past 12 months. The industry’s annual growth rate is still a strong 8.7 percent.
“Although up slightly the Texas unemployment rate remains a full percentage point below the unemployment rate for the nation as a whole” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “Nine of eleven industries displayed positive annual job growth resulting in nearly a quarter of a million jobs added in the last year.”
