South Texas Unemployment Rate falls to 7.0 percent in July
Melva Castillo
August 20, 2021
LAREDO, Texas – August 2020 — Workforce Solutions for South Texas (WSST) reported a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the Laredo MSA’s that decreased by 0.9 percent in July down to 6.7 percent. The State of Texas reported a 6.0 percent unemployment rate, while the national unemployment rate was reported at 5.7 percent, according to a report by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
The three-county Workforce Solutions for South Texas (WSST) area of Jim Hogg, Webb, and Zapata counties reported a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 7.0 percent in July 2021 this represents a decrease of 1.0 percent in comparison to June 2021 that was at 8.0 percent.
“As employers continue to post job opportunities, the labor force is returning to work. An almost one full percentage point drop in unemployment indicates that jobs are being filled and this is good news for local businesses”, Rogelio Trevino, WSST Executive Director, said.
The South Texas area, serving Jim Hogg, Webb, and Zapata counties, reported a Civilian Labor Force of 122,863, with 8,542 unemployed. This means that 114,321 people are employed in the three-county area.
Essential Jobs reported an increase in employment by industry, such as the Construction (6.8%); and Professional and Business Services (5.1%); Natural Resources and Mining (3.4%); Information (0.6%); and, Financial Activities (0.1%). The manufacturing industry reported no change.
Industries reporting losses were the following: Other Services, Education and Health Services, Public Administration, Leisure and Hospitality, and the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities.
“Some of the industries that showed slight decreases are industries that typically have shown decreases in jobs as the summer months closeout and portions of the labor force return to school,” Trevino said. “There are some industries that are rebounding from the impacts of the COVID pandemic and show some slight increases in hiring.
“We will continue to monitor the fluctuations in the job openings as some businesses are still being impacted by the next surge in the pandemic,” Trevino added.
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.
Virtual Job Fair
The Bi-Weekly Job Fair is transitioning back to a virtual platform to serve the community, including those who can’t make it to the One-Stop center.
The “August Vibes 2 Bi-Weekly Virtual Job Fair” has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 25 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. The afternoon schedule is considering job seekers who can’t participate in the morning events.
Employers who are interested in participating at any of these events can register by visiting the short link bit.ly/augustvibes2021
Job Seekers interested in participating need to have an updated profile in WorkInTexas, and register at bit.ly/augustvibes2.
“Workforce Solutions for South Texas continues to collaborate with local employers and job seekers in helping them match up for hiring opportunities,” Trevino added.
The Texas Labor Market & Career Information Data for July is scheduled to be released on Friday, September 17, 2021, at 9:00 a.m.
