Local unemployment rate falls in November

AUSTIN — Donley County’s unemployment rate dipped less than one percent in November.

The local jobless rate fell from 4.2 percent in October of this year to 4.1 percent last month, according to seasonally unadjusted data from the Texas Workforce Commission.

The number of people employed in Donley County rose from 1,812 to 1,828 as the number of people in the labor pool grew from 1,891 to 1,906.

The number of people looking for work went down by one from 79 to 78.

One year ago at this time, the county’s unemployment rate was 4.1 percent with 74 people looking for work.

Statewide, Texas’ seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment grew by 7,300 jobs in November. Texas employers now have added 221,200 jobs in the past 12 months, for an annual job growth rate of 2.1 percent. The United States recorded 1.9 million job losses during the same period, for a negative annual job growth rate of -1.4 percent.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 5.7 percent in November, up from 5.6 percent in October and 4.2 percent in November 2007. The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed to 6.7 percent in November, up from 6.5 percent in October and 4.7 percent a year ago.

“Despite a slight increase in the unemployment rate statewide, the falling unemployment rates in Southeast Texas reflect that those adversely affected by the impact of Hurricane Ike are getting back to work,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “While Texas is holding our own compared to the national trends, we continue to feel the impact of the U.S. and international economic downturn.”

The Midland MSA experienced the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.3 percent (not seasonally adjusted). The Odessa MSA was second at 3.9 percent, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 4.0 percent.

Leisure and Hospitality gained 4,300 positions in November, for an industry gain of 38,000 jobs in the past year. Education and Health Services grew by 2,100 jobs this month, adding 31,700 jobs in the past 12 months.

“The Texas unemployment rate climbed slightly to 5.7 percent this month, so we know many Texans are searching for work, despite reported job growth,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Workforce centers across the state are ready to assist Texas workers with employment services such as résumé preparation, as well as with WorkInTexas.com, TWC’s online job-matching system.”

Natural Resources and Mining employment increased for the 14th consecutive month, adding 1,900 jobs in November, with 17,400 positions added over the year. The industry’s annual job growth rate is now at 8.2 percent.

“Our Texas employers still are adding jobs and continue to outperform the United States over the year,” said TWC Commissioner Andres Alcantar. “Although we recorded a slight rise in the unemployment rate in November, it is encouraging that a number of industries have been able to sustain job growth throughout the year.”