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November 23, 2009

County jobless numbers hold steady

By Rich Flowers News Editor

The Henderson County unemployment rate held steady in October, according to figures released from the Texas Workforce Commisson Friday.

The county rate remained at a year-to-date high of 8.5 percent although there were slightly more unemployed in October than the previous month. In October 3,118 members of a 36,557 person workforce were unemployed. The September total was 3,107.

Statewide, the rate rose to 8.3 percent after an 8.2 reading in October, TWC Chairman Tom Pauken said.

“In October, the Texas market lost some ground, although it is too soon to indicate a trend,” Pauken said. “The Texas unemployment rate continued to edge upward as our state continues to feel the effects of the economic downturn.”

The state gained 41,700 jobs in October, with professional and business services adding 10,800 jobs. Construction employment took the hardest hit with a 9,400 job drop.

TWC officials reported that they were encouraged by increased employment reports across most industries in October, specifically in the service providing sector which includes health care, business and finance.

The county jobless number of 8.5 percent continues to be the high for the decade.

The up and down 2000s bottomed out at 3.5 percent in 2000. As recently as May 2008, the county saw a 4.3 percent reading.

The East Texas Workforce Center at 205 N. Murchison in Athens offers help to local job seekers. ETWC can be reached at 903-677-7277.

Henderson County’s neighbors saw small employment-rate changes from September to October.

• Anderson County remained steady at 9.4 percent;

• Kaufman County remained steady at 8.8 percent;

• Navarro County dipped from 8.4 percent to 8.3 percent and

• Van Zandt County dipped from 7.4 percent to 7.3 percent.

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