South Texas Unemployment Rate 13.6

Workforce Solutions for South Texas April 5, 2020

WSST Committed to Help Texans Find Work, Training and Resources

LAREDO ⎯ Workforce Solutions for South Texas (WSST) reported a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 13.6 percent in April 2020. As expected, the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the South Texas economy. This represents an increase of 7.9 percent in comparison to March 2020.

The State’s rate rose to 12.8 percent, below the national average of 14.7 percent, according to a report by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

“The COVID–19 pandemic has had a great impact on our economy. The Country, the State and our Region are facing historic levels of unemployment. The unemployment system of Texas was overwhelmed with the numbers of people trying to file for unemployment this last month,” said Rogelio Trevino, Workforce Solutions for South Executive Director. “Our workforce centers here in Laredo, Zapata and Hebbronville provided guidance and assistance to thousands of impacted workers in South Texas and helped them navigate the unemployment insurance claim process.”

The South Texas area, serving Jim Hogg, Webb, and Zapata counties, reported a Civilian Labor force of 110,079, with almost 15,000 receiving the unemployment insurance benefits. This means that 95,097 people are still employed in our area.

Essential Jobs reported an increase in the employment by industry, such as the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (1.0 percent), Information (0.5 percent), Education and Health Services (3.8 percent), Leisure and Hospitality (0.7 percent), Other Services (2.8 percent), and Public Administration (0.8 percent).

Industry reporting losses were the following: Natural Resources and Mining, Construction, Manufacturing, Financial Activities, and Professional and Business Services.

Designated as essential businesses, these industries were needing to hire more supervisors, retail salespersons, cashiers, customer service representatives, and pharmacy technicians as well as many other occupations.

Our Workforce Solutions system will continue to work with all businesses as we begin the recovery process we will also offer services to job seekers as we start up the process of helping get South Texas Back to Work.

WSST went a 100-percent virtual at the end of March to continue assisting essential employers and job seekers, as well as the Child Care providers.

The Business Services Unit helped employers seeking applicants by creating and sharing job postings in WorkInTexas.com and through our Social Media Platforms.

Also, on May 14th, a Workforce Solutions Town Hall meeting was hosted by TWC Commissioner representing employers, Aaron Demerson, and representatives from the Governor’s office.

Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. All estimates are subject to revision.