CTroyMathis
12-21-2002, 04:08 PM
Dallas, Fort Worth Nov. jobless rates inch up
After four months of declines, unemployment rates crept up slightly in the Dallas-Fort Worth area during November, according to figures released Thursday by the Texas Workforce Commission.
The Dallas-area jobless rate was 6.6 percent in November, up from 6.5 percent in October but down from 6.9 percent in September. In the Fort Worth-Arlington area, the November jobless rate was 5.8 percent, compared with 5.7 percent in October and 6 percent in September.
However, the statewide unemployment rate, adjusted for seasonal fluctuations, stayed flat at 6.2 percent for the third straight month.
"I'm encouraged that Texas' unemployment level has remained stable for the last three months in a row," said TWC Chair Diane Rath. "Obviously, however, we look forward to seeing that number start to move in a positive direction."
Total nonfarm employment in Texas remained nearly unchanged in November, with a loss of only 700 jobs. This modest monthly reduction falls on the heels of a 10,900-job drop in October.
The construction and services industries each experienced moderate growth. Transportation, communications, public utilities, manufacturing and trade suffered the largest job losses.
Construction employment grew by 700 jobs in November, following four straight months of job losses. Heavy construction added 1,000 jobs, while employment in both general building contractors and special trade contractors posted slight declines.
"Job gains in construction are certainly welcome, but the loss of jobs in other industries is of concern," said Commissioner for Labor T.P. O'Mahoney. "I am a bit relieved that the losses in November were far less severe than what we saw in the previous month."
"Overall, this month's numbers may seem to indicate a little more stability in the labor market, though I share the concerns I know many employers have about the somewhat mixed signals," said Commissioner for Employers Ron Lehman.
Nondurable goods manufacturing posted its first job gain in two years, driven by additions in rubber and miscellaneous plastic products. Overall, manufacturing employment fell by 1,500 jobs in November. Losses were concentrated in durable goods manufacturing, with the largest declines occurring in electronic equipment and industrial machinery.
Employment in trade posted a loss of 1,200 positions in November, marking six straight months of declining employment in this industry. Though still negative, the annual growth rate for trade employment improved slightly in November to negative 0.8 percent, its highest level since December 2001.
After four months of declines, unemployment rates crept up slightly in the Dallas-Fort Worth area during November, according to figures released Thursday by the Texas Workforce Commission.
The Dallas-area jobless rate was 6.6 percent in November, up from 6.5 percent in October but down from 6.9 percent in September. In the Fort Worth-Arlington area, the November jobless rate was 5.8 percent, compared with 5.7 percent in October and 6 percent in September.
However, the statewide unemployment rate, adjusted for seasonal fluctuations, stayed flat at 6.2 percent for the third straight month.
"I'm encouraged that Texas' unemployment level has remained stable for the last three months in a row," said TWC Chair Diane Rath. "Obviously, however, we look forward to seeing that number start to move in a positive direction."
Total nonfarm employment in Texas remained nearly unchanged in November, with a loss of only 700 jobs. This modest monthly reduction falls on the heels of a 10,900-job drop in October.
The construction and services industries each experienced moderate growth. Transportation, communications, public utilities, manufacturing and trade suffered the largest job losses.
Construction employment grew by 700 jobs in November, following four straight months of job losses. Heavy construction added 1,000 jobs, while employment in both general building contractors and special trade contractors posted slight declines.
"Job gains in construction are certainly welcome, but the loss of jobs in other industries is of concern," said Commissioner for Labor T.P. O'Mahoney. "I am a bit relieved that the losses in November were far less severe than what we saw in the previous month."
"Overall, this month's numbers may seem to indicate a little more stability in the labor market, though I share the concerns I know many employers have about the somewhat mixed signals," said Commissioner for Employers Ron Lehman.
Nondurable goods manufacturing posted its first job gain in two years, driven by additions in rubber and miscellaneous plastic products. Overall, manufacturing employment fell by 1,500 jobs in November. Losses were concentrated in durable goods manufacturing, with the largest declines occurring in electronic equipment and industrial machinery.
Employment in trade posted a loss of 1,200 positions in November, marking six straight months of declining employment in this industry. Though still negative, the annual growth rate for trade employment improved slightly in November to negative 0.8 percent, its highest level since December 2001.