Texas Jobless Rate Up To 7.1 Percent

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The state's unemployment rate jumped to 7.1 percent in May, according to figures released by the Texas Workforce Commission on Friday.

The number is up from a revised 6.6 percent jobless rate in April, which means an even tighter job market for would-be Texas workers.

The May figure reflects the widespread job losses most employers reported for the month.

"The Texas unemployment rate continued to follow the national unemployment rate's upward trend," said Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken.

Still, the state's unemployment rate remains well below the national 9.4 percent jobless rate.

Manufacturing was hardest hit in Texas with 12,800 positions lost. That was followed by 10,400 lost construction jobs. Some bright spots remained in education and health, which reported an additional 5,800 new positions.

The other services industry, which includes automotive, electronic and commercial repair, grew by 5,200 jobs in May.