Local Weather Forecast
Today: Current:88	Friday: 95/75	Saturday: 96/74
Complete Forecast for  Jul 24 2008

From Staff, Wire Reports

Tyler’s employment rate increased to 96 percent in April, up from 95.6 percent in March, according to figures Friday from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Statewide, the rate increased to 96.1 percent, the highest rate the labor force has seen for the month since 1979.

In Tyler, professional and business services, education, leisure and hospitality sectors each added 100 jobs. Government cut 100 jobs, leaving a 100-job gain, according to TWC figures. The area has gained 1,100 jobs since April 2007.

The Longview area saw an employment rate of 96.7 percent, up from 96.5 percent in April 2007 and 96.3 percent in March. It gained 500 jobs in April.

Trade, transportation and utilities picked up 200 jobs. Leisure and hospitality, professional and business services and financial activities each gained 100 jobs, the TWC said.

Across the state, the ranks of the unemployed decreased by an estimated 40,200 in April, to 448,700, the commission said.

And initial claims for unemployment benefits fell to 87,600 in April, with 1,500 fewer people receiving benefits than in March.

April’s employment rate increased three-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month, and it continued to outperform the nation’s, which stood at 95.2 percent in April.

The Workforce Commission said Texas employers added 15,400 jobs in April.

The biggest gain was in the financial services sector added 6,900 jobs. Some of the businesses in that industry include commercial banks, credit unions and insurance agencies, as well as real estate agents, rental car companies and office equipment rental.

Leisure and hospitality added 4,200 jobs while construction gained 3,000 more jobs, according to the commission. Smaller gains were reported in the education and health services sector and in other services.

Midland had the highest April employment rate in the state, at 97.6 percent. The lowest rate was in the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area, at 94.3 percent.

The statewide numbers were adjusted for seasonal trends in hiring and firing, which most economists believe gives a better picture of the job market. Local figures are not seasonally adjusted.