SOUTHEAST TEXAS - The unemployment rate in Beaumont-Port Arthur has dropped by more than 1% in the past year and nearly the same amount from month to month, according to a report released Friday by the Texas Workforce Commission.
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The number of people employed in the Beaumont-Port Arthur region was 172,700 in September 2012, an increase of 5,100 from September 2011 and an increase of 2,700 from August 2012, according to Friday's Workforce Commission Report.
The number of people unemployed in the Beaumont-Port Arthur region was 18,700 in September 2012, a decrease of 2,300 from September 2011 and a decrease of 1,800 from August 2012.
AUSTIN - From Texas Workforce Commission - Texas' seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 6.8 percent in September, down from 7.1 percent in August. The state's unemployment rate is down from 7.9 percent a year ago, and is well below the national unemployment rate in September of 7.8 percent. Texas added 21,000 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in September for a total of 262,700 jobs added since last year.
"We saw encouraging signs in our state's labor market in September and a decrease in the unemployment rate last month," said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. "Texas continues to add jobs and we now have a record number of people employed in our state."
Seven of the 11 major industries in Texas expanded in September. The largest gain was in Professional and Business Services, which grew by 13,600 jobs. The industry has grown by 47,200 positions over the past year.
"It is clear that employers are benefitting from the available skilled workers in our state," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. "I'm encouraged to see that 3,800 manufacturing jobs were added last month, which indicates a growing demand for goods made here in Texas."
Jobs in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities grew as employers added 9,100 positions in September for a total of 54,700 positions since last year. Education and Health Services reported 6,600 additional jobs in September, totaling 39,000 jobs added in that industry since September 2011. Employment in Leisure and Hospitality increased by 3,700 jobs in September for a total of 50,300 jobs added over the year.
"Thanks to low taxes, a sensible regulatory environment, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Texas remains the number one state in America to do business," said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Tom Pauken. "Since last year, the Texas economy has added 272,400 private sector jobs. That's a 3.1 percent annual growth rate for Texas compared to the national rate of just 1.7 percent."
The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest September unemployment rate in the state at 3.3 percent. The Odessa MSA came in second at 3.9 percent, and the Amarillo MSA third at 4.4 percent (not seasonally adjusted).
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