Dateline: August 24, 2006

Unemployment claims drop in Donley County

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

AUSTIN – Unemployment in Donley County dropped in July after edging upward in June, according to information released this week by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Seasonally non-adjusted data from TWC showed 1,810 employed out of a workforce of 1,901, putting the local unemployment rate at 4.8 percent, which is down from 4.5 percent in June.

The July data shows 91 people looking for work, which is down slightly from 100 last month.

Texas increased by 15,700 jobs in July and 230,300 jobs over the last 12 months. Texas employers have added jobs for 22 consecutive months and 35 of the last 36 months, for a total of 632,100 jobs since July 2003. The July seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 5.2 percent.

“Steady job growth continues to be the hallmark of the Texas labor market,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chair Diane Rath. “Uninterrupted job growth for nearly two years has contributed significantly to economic growth across the state, while providing more employment opportunities for all Texans.”

Job growth in Texas, at 2.4 percent over the last 12 months, continues to exceed growth for the nation, which currently stands at 1.3 percent for the same period. Similarly, over-the-month job growth in Texas of 0.2 percent is double the U.S. rate of 0.1 percent.

“Sustained job growth bodes well for Texas businesses as they continue to expand services and production,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ron Lehman. “Continuing the trend of past months, nine major industries have experienced growth over the year, several of those at a 3.0 percent growth rate or higher.”

Initial claims for unemployment compensation in July were 57,894, down 13.6 percent from July 2005 and 27.5 percent since July 2004.