Local jobless rate increases to 4.7 percent

AUSTIN – The unemployment rate in Donley County rose to 4.7 percent in January after being only 3.7 percent in December, according to seasonally non-adjusted data from the Texas Workforce Commission.

The state reported 84 people were looking for work locally in January with 1,717 people employed out of a workforce of 1,801.

In December, 69 people were unemployed out of a workforce of 1,845.

One year ago in January, the local unemployment rate was 4.9 percent with 87 people looking for work out of a workforce of 1,790.

Statewide the seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment grew by 28,000 jobs in January. Texas employers now have added 277,200 jobs over the past 12 months, for an annual job growth rate of 2.7 percent. The January statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent, up slightly from a revised December unemployment rate of 4.2 percent and down from 4.5 percent a year ago.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in January 2008, down from 5.0 percent in December and up from 4.6 percent in January 2007.

“Banner job gains in January indicate a resilient Texas labor market,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chair Diane Rath. “Texas tops the nation in annual job growth rates in every industry sector, providing more opportunities for Texans.”

“Texans looking for jobs should feel confident,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton.
“With more than 28,000 jobs created statewide, the climate continues to provide many possibilities for Texas job seekers despite national economic concerns.”