Dateline: March 30, 2006

Local jobless claims increase in January

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Donley County’s unemployment rate ticked up slightly in January to 5.0 percent after settling at 3.5 percent in December.

The seasonally non-adjusted data from the Texas Workforce Commission shows 1,740 employed locally out of a potential work force of 1,832.

The number of people out of work in Donley County rose from 66 in December to 92 in January, which is almost identical to the same period one year ago when 93 people were looking for work, but not as high as two years ago when 111 were unemployed.

The local unemployment rate now matches the statewide rate at 5.0 percent, which actually indicates a decrease in statewide unemployment, which was 5.2 percent in December and 5.5 percent one year ago.

Seasonally Adjusted Nonagricultural Employment in Texas grew by 13,200 jobs in January, the 16th consecutive month of job growth. Seven of eleven industry sectors reported job growth over the month. Employment increased by 269,600 positions over the year, for an annual growth rate of 2.8 percent.

Initial claims for unemployment compensation for January were down 20.1 percent over the last 12 months, and down 32.0 percent, compared to initial claims for unemployment compensation in January 2004.

“The addition of jobs by Texas employers, as well as the declining unemployment rate, is great news for the labor market,” said TWC Chair Diane Rath. “These positive trends underscore the economic growth we are experiencing across the state.”

In the Service Providing Sector, Professional & Business Services added 4,200 jobs in January and 67,000 jobs since January 2005, representing an annual growth rate of 6.0 percent. Employment in Trade, Transportation & Utilities rose by 4,000 jobs in January, for an increase of 47,300 jobs since January 2005.

Education & Health Services employment rose by 2,800 jobs, adding 40,500 jobs over the year. Financial Activities employment increased by 1,900 jobs in January, more than double its December gain of 800 jobs.

“Texas employers have added nearly 270,000 jobs in the last year, demonstrating increased confidence in the strength of the marketplace,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ron Lehman. “I’m encouraged by growth in both service providing and goods producing sectors, including large year over year gains in Professional & Business Services and Construction.”

In the Goods Producing Sector, Construction added 1,500 jobs for the month and 29,000 jobs for the year, marking an annual growth rate of 5.2 percent. Natural Resources & Mining employment rose by 12,800 jobs over the year, for an annual growth rate of 8.1 percent.

“The number of employed Texans has grown to 10.8 million workers, and the unemployment rate continues to go down,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton.

“Texas’ abundant, skilled workforce is one of the strongest factors in attracting and retaining business in our state.”