Dateline: August 25, 2005

Local, state jobless numbers decline

By Roger  Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

The July unemployment rate of 5.0 percent represented a one-tenth of a percentage point decrease from the June rate of 5.1 percent and fell significantly from July 2004 when the unemployment rate was 6.1 percent.

“Texas continues to create jobs as our economy expands,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chair Diane Rath. “With more than 10.6 million working, it’s encouraging to note that more Texans are employed than ever before.”

Donley County’s unemployment rate fell from 4.4 percent in June to 4.3 percent in July. That’s down from 5.2 percent one year ago.

A total of 1,890 people were employed in Donley County last month out of a labor force of 1,974.

Other area counties also showed a slight decrease in their unemployment rates between June and July. Hall County went from 5.5 to 5.2 percent, Collingsworth dropped from 4.4 to 4.3 percent, and Gray went from 4.7 to 4.5 percent.

Seasonally Adjusted Nonagricultural Employment in Texas grew by 12,600 jobs in July with job growth in eight of nine industry sectors. Texas employers have added 100,000 jobs over the year for an annual growth rate of 1.1 percent.

 Manufacturing added jobs for the fourth time this year, posting a gain of 3,300 jobs in July. This was the largest month-over-month increase since April 1998. July job growth in the Leisure & Hospitality sector increased by 2,900 positions over June. Trade, Transportation & Utilities also showed a significant increase over June figures, adding 2,200 jobs in July.

Over the year, virtually every industry sector showed job growth. Education & Health Services had the highest annual growth rate of any sector at 2.2 percent with the addition of 25,500 jobs since July 2004. Construction gained 9,100 jobs, representing a 1.7 percent increase over the year. Employment in Natural Resources & Mining recorded a 2.0 percent annual growth rate, adding 3,000 jobs.

“The Texas business outlook continues to be robust,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ron Lehman. “With eight of nine industry sectors adding jobs in the last year, employers are responding to increased demand for products and services.”

“I am glad to see the ranks of the unemployed continue to decline,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Job gains over the month and over the year are both positive signs as well.”

Initial claims for unemployment compensation in July 2005 were 69,784, down 15.2 percent from July 2004.