Unemployment Rate Reported a Slight Increase in June
Workforce Solutions for South Texas
July 26, 2019
LAREDO, Texas — (July 2019) — The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was at 3.9 percent in Laredo and South Texas during June, according to the Texas Labor Market Information released by the Texas Workforce Commission. This represents an increase of 0.7 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively.
“Although there were several hundred jobs added in June the civilian labor force grew by over 900 job seekers. These fluctuations are typical during the summer months as we see more individuals entering the labor force for summer employment,” said Rogelio Trevino, Executive Director for Workforce Solutions for South Texas. “However, with an unemployment rate below 4%, some economists say we are at full employment.”
Laredo added 400 jobs in June, with the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry adding 300 jobs, while the Professional and Business Services, and the Education and Health Services each added 200. But, on the other hand, the Leisure and Hospitality and the Government industries 300 fewer jobs in total.
In a year-to-year comparison, Laredo’s unemployment rate had a decrease of 0.4 percent. In June, the Texas and U.S. unemployment rates were reported at 3.6 and 3.8 percent, respectively, with changes of 0.7 and 0.4 percent in comparison with May 2019.
The Texas Workforce Commission reported that “In June, the Texas economy added 45,000 seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm positions. After shattering the all-time low in May of 2019, the unemployment rate fell again to 3.4 percent.”
“The State of Texas continues to show job growth and employers in our region continue to offer job opportunities for our job seekers,” Trevino said. “It is vital that our workforce programs continue to prepare our youth with necessary job skills as they come through the pipeline and enter the labor force.”
The top three industries are the Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industries with 31,700 employees, followed by Government with 23,500, and the Education and Health Services at 17,400.
When comparing June 2019 to May 2019, several industries showed no change such as the Mining, Logging, and Construction (4,300), Manufacturing (600), Information (800), Financial Activities (3,800), and Other Services (2,400 jobs).
In the Laredo area, there are 107,100 people in Total Nonfarm positions, a yearly percent change of 2.2%. On June 2018 the Total Nonfarm was at 104,800.
The Civilian Labor Force in the South Texas service delivery area stands at 125,151 of which 120,223 are employed and 4,928 reported as unemployed.
Job seekers are encouraged to visit the Workforce Solutions Center to find out more about the latest employment opportunities available. In Laredo, the address is 2389 E. Saunders St. with phone number 956-794-6500.
For the Zapata area, visit the center located at 605 US Hwy 83 Suite B with phone number 956-765-1804; and for the Hebbronville area, the center is located at 210 N. Smith (inside the Him Hogg Library), with phone number 361- 231-7071.
The One-Stop Centers provide referrals to jobs and job matching services, job readiness classes, resume writing, support services, and work experience for all job seekers. For employers, the centers offer hiring events, interview rooms, Labor Market Information, and recruitment.
The Texas Labor Market & Career Information Data for July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 16, 2019.
