Dateline: May 24, 2007

Jobless rate declines to 4.1 percent in in April

AUSTIN – The unemployment rate in Donley County fell slightly to 4.1 percent in April, according to data released last week from the Texas Workforce Commission.

The local jobless rate was down from 4.5 percent in March and 4.9 percent one year ago.

State data for last month shows Donley County had a workforce of 1,840 and 76 people looking for work. In March, Donley County had a workforce of 1,810 with 1,728 employed.

Seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment in Texas grew by 23,500 jobs in April for a total of 240,800 jobs in the past year. The state’s annual job growth rate rose slightly in April to 2.4 percent from last month’s 2.3 percent. The April seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 4.2 percent, down from 4.3 percent in March and 5.0 percent a year ago.

 “Our sustained job gains and falling unemployment rate exemplify the underlying strength of the Texas economy,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chair Diane Rath. “The Texas unemployment rate dropped to 4.2 percent, well below the national unemployment rate of 4.5 percent.”

Professional & Business Services gained jobs for the ninth consecutive month, adding 11,700 jobs in April. The industry has gained 61,100 jobs in the past year. The Leisure & Hospitality sector followed with an increase of 5,000 jobs in April, for a year-over-year gain of 39,400 positions.

Trade, Transportation & Utilities added 3,600 jobs in April, with 26,300 jobs created since last year.

Education & Health Services increased by 2,500 jobs in April for a total of 24,700 since April 2006.

“It’s always a great sign when the ranks of the unemployed are declining and more Texans are back to work,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “It’s rewarding to know that we’ve added more than 23,000 jobs.”