Dateline: July 26, 2007

Jobless numbers climb

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

The number of people looking for work has increased, according to seasonally non-adjusted data from the Texas Workforce Commission.

The unemployment rate in Donley County reached 5.2 percent for June with 96 people looking for work out of a workforce of 1,833.

That figure is up from the 3.9 percent unemployment rate in May when 72 people out of 1,765 were out of work.

One year ago in Donley County, 114 people out of 1,934 were out of work, and the unemployment rate was 5.9 percent.

Statewide, the June seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.1 percent, unchanged from May, its lowest point since the current series began in 1976.

The unemployment rate is down from 4.9 percent a year ago. Seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment in Texas grew by 8,300 jobs in June.

Texas employers now have added 213,500 jobs over the past 12 months for an annual growth rate of 2.1 percent.

“This remarkably low unemployment rate reflects the strength of the Texas economy,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chair Diane Rath. “Workers have abundant opportunities as Texas employers continue to expand.”

 “As I travel across the state, employer confidence is high,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ron Lehman. “We have recorded job growth in 10 of 11 industry sectors over the past year, with only Information showing a slight decline of less than one percent.”

Financial Activities gained 1,100 jobs in June, contributing to an annual job growth of 10,900. Mining continues to maintain the highest annual job growth rate at 9.2 percent, adding 600 jobs during the month.

“With job growth comes opportunities for Texas workers to expand skills sets and advance their careers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “This opens up positions for entry-level workers, creating a larger, stronger Texas workforce.”