Alamo WorkSource is committed to providing access to timely, accurate and relevant labor market information. Our staff regularly analyzes local economic and labor market information, examining industry and occupation growth trends, wage data, labor force information, economic indicators, etc.

Knowing about economic and labor market conditions is the foundation for Workforce and economic development efforts. It can help employers gain an understanding of the competition and what it takes to find and keep quality, skilled employees.

JOB MARKET EXPERIENCES EXPECTED LOSSES IN JULY
Workforce Solutions Alamo releases July Labor Market Information

(August 15, 2008) San Antonio, Texas – Workforce Solutions Alamo released information this morning indicating that the San Antonio job market performed largely as anticipated in response to seasonal changes in July. Total Nonagricultural Employment in the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) decreased by 6,400 jobs (-0.7 percent) to 848,200 during the month, while the unemployment rate edged slightly higher to 4.8 percent, up from 4.6 percent in June. San Antonio’s annual job growth, meanwhile, held steady at 2.2 percent (17,900 jobs) during the month. Reductions in the Government and Education & Health Services sectors’ payrolls accounted for the bulk of the seasonal drops, as area schools trimmed staffing levels during the summer months, while other sectors made more moderate payroll adjustments.

“The job market in San Antonio performed as expected when you look at the changes to the job market at this same time in previous years,” said Chakib Chehadi, Workforce Solutions Alamo Executive Director. “We will continue to watch for changes in Construction and Manufacturing as those industries are of major impact to our local economy and interest to our leaders right now.”

While employment loss was primarily caused by Government and Education and Health Services, annual job growth in these sectors remained positive with 4,800 and 4,500 jobs respectively. In other areas, Construction lost 100 jobs and gained 2,200 jobs since July 2007, an annual growth rate of 4.3 percent. Manufacturing lost 300 jobs and San Antonio Area Labor Market Information dropped 1,000 jobs since July 2007, an annual growth rate of -2.0 percent. Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities lost 100 jobs and dropped 200 jobs since July 2007, an annual growth rate of -0.9 percent. While employment in Financial Activities decreased over the month, the industry posted a positive annual growth rate of 0.8 percent, an addition of 500 jobs. Professional Business Services lost 400 jobs and gained 1,500 jobs since July 2007, an annual growth rate of 1.4 percent. Other Services had a decrease of 200 jobs and gained 1,700 jobs since July 2007, an annual growth rate of 5.9 percent.

The Texas unadjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.0 percent in July while the national rate jumped to 6.0 percent. Comparatively, the state and national seasonally adjusted unemployment rates registered 4.7 and 5.7 percent respectively in July.

The mission of Workforce Solutions Alamo is to build a premier workforce in America by providing employers and residents with the opportunities, resources and services to develop and gain a competitive edge in the global economy. Workforce Solutions Alamo reaches over 40,000 businesses and more than 2.0 million residents in the City of San Antonio and the counties of Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Guadalupe, Gillespie, Karnes, Kerr, Kendall, Medina and Wilson counties. For more information on available workforce programs and services, visit our website at www.workforcesolutionsalamo.org.