The unemployment rate in Texas is on the brink of 8 percent, although the state added jobs in July for the first time since late last year.
The Texas Workforce Commission said Friday the jobless rate jumped to 7.9 percent from 7.5 percent in June. However, the number of jobs rose by 37,900, the first increase since November when Texas was bouncing back from Hurricane Ike, which struck Sept. 13.
Texas continues to creep closer to the national unemployment rate, which is at 9.4 percent. The state was a full 2 percentage points behind the national figure a month ago.
Professional and business services jumped by 18,700 jobs last month. Education and health services increased by 14,400.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
