Texas Employers Reduce Jobs — Unemployment Rate 8.3 Percent
The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 8.3 percent in December, up from 8.0 percent a month ago, but continued to trend well below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December of 10.0 percent. Total nonagricultural employment in Texas decreased by 23,900 jobs in December.
AUSTIN — The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 8.3 percent in December, up from 8.0 percent a month ago, but continued to trend well below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December of 10.0 percent. Total nonagricultural employment in Texas decreased by 23,900 jobs in December.
“Texas continues to feel the effects of this serious national recession with unemployment in our state now at 8.3 percent,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken.
Education and Health Services employment increased by 4,800 positions in December, representing the addition of 60,400 jobs in the past 12 months. Mining and Logging employment posted a modest gain of 300 jobs in December.
“December job losses offset some of the gains from the last couple of months,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “TWC and the 28 workforce boards are committed to assisting Texas job seekers and connecting them with available jobs.”
Trade, Transportation and Utilities represented the bulk of December’s job losses at 7,400 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality employment was down 6,500 jobs in December, and Professional and Business Services recorded a loss of 5,300 jobs.
