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County unemployment below Texas, U.S. rates
., . - Wednesday, October 28, 2009

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The unemployment rate in Atascosa County rose slightly from 7.8 to 7.9 percent since August.

The jobless rates here have been teetering in the upper 7.0 to lower 8.0 percent since June. In July Atascosa County’s unemployment reached 8.1 percent. There was some smiling in the area when it declined to 7.8 percent in August.

Within the 9-county region, Wilson County has the best jobless rate report over the past two months. Wilson County has unemployment of 6.9 percent in both August and September. Medina County had 6.8 percent in August but rose to 7.1 percent in just one month. Our neighbor to the south, McMullen County saw its unemployment rise from 6.9 percent in August to 7.8 in September.

The unemployment rate in Atascosa County during 2009 looks like this:
January 6.4% June 7.7%
February 6.2% July 8.1%
March 6.3% August 7.8%
April 5.8% September 7.9%
May 6.3%

This is what Texas Workforce Commission said when they reported the unemployment and labor force news on October 16.

AUSTIN — The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 8.2 percent in September, up from 8.0 percent a month ago, and continued to trend well below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 9.8 percent.

The Texas Civilian Labor Force continued to increase remaining above the mark of 12 million workers for the third consecutive month. Total nonagricultural employment in Texas fell by 44,700 positions in September.

“The Texas job market continued to tighten as most industries experienced job losses in September,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “While unemployment in Texas remains well below the national rate of 9.8 percent, this serious national recession continues to affect us adversely in Texas.”

Other Services, which include automotive, electronic, and commercial repair and maintenance, had the largest over-the-month gain adding 8,800 jobs. A total of 9,400 jobs have been added to the payrolls of Other Services since September 2008. Mining and Logging posted a gain for the first time this year, adding 2,100 jobs. Education and Health Services employment growth remained positive in September with the addition of 2,700 jobs. Information employment grew by 800 jobs last month.

“The Texas labor force is growing as more people enter the job market, but job seekers are hampered by fewer jobs,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “TWC and our workforce boards located around the state remain committed to helping out-of-work Texans acquire skills and find jobs.”

The largest job losses occurred in the Leisure and Hospitality industry which was down 16,900 positions, followed by Professional and Business Services, down 16,500 jobs. Trade, Transportation and Utilities lost 13,000 positions in September.

“Job gains in Mining and Logging, Education and Health Services, and Other Services were offset by losses in most industries in September,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “To help connect workers with available jobs, staff at more than 240 workforce centers across the state is available to provide job-search assistance and other services.”