County job rebound ahead of state's
Here's how Burnet County fell in the lineup of an eight-county region of adjoining counties in a chart from the Texas Workforce Commission statistics online at www.texasworkforce.org..
BY LISA TREIBER-WALTER
HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPERS
Burnet County's job market is healthier than it was a year ago, according to a Texas Workforce Commission report that shows the local unemployment rate dropping from 4.0 percent in January 2015 to an improved 3.5 percent for the same month this year.
The local employment scene is faring even better than Texas' statewide average unemployment rate of 4.4 percent for January 2016 (which is also improved over the same time last year when it was 4.7 percent.) And, yet, Texas turned in a better unemployment rate than the national average of 4.9 percent for the same month.
In the single month of January, Texas added 31,400 jobs to its payrolls with seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs, marking a 10th consecutive month of job growth in Texas.
Over the past year, “Texas employers added 187,400 jobs...highlighting the diversity of our economy,” said Texas Workforce Commissioner (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar.
“Texas Workforce Solutions continues to work with our education partners to ensure Texans have the in-demand skills required to boost job creation,” Alcantar said.
“We’ve seen 157,300 private-sector jobs added over the last year, for a 1.6 percent annual growth rate,” said Ruth R. Hughs, TWC's Commission representing employers. “Texas is a state that continues to welcome new employers and work with our homegrown businesses, offering them the tools they need to grow and succeed.”
Representing the largest over-the-month gain since October 2004, the education and health services industry added 11,500 jobs in January. And, over the year, education and health services gained 62,100 jobs.
Leisure and hospitality employment rose for a 10th consecutive month with 7,300 jobs added in January. Manufacturing employment expanded by 4,300 jobs in January for the industry’s largest over-the-month gain since April 2014.
“Our economy continues to offer many diverse opportunities to job seekers,” said TWC Commissioner Julian Alvarez, who represents labor interests. “I encourage those seeking these opportunities to take advantage of the workforce services available through their local Workforce Solutions office for help finding the job that’s right for them.”
