Workforce Solutions Alamo released information this morning indicating that the San Antonio metro area unemployment rate jumped to 7.7 percent in January 2010, up from 6.9 percent in December 2009 after adjustments by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Total non-agricultural employment in the San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA dropped by -15,700 over-the-month. Other Services was the only industry to register positive job gains posting 300 jobs between December and January. Job growth in Other Services increased in religious organizations, social advocacy organizations, and business, professional, labor, political, and similar organizations.

“The majority of the job losses were seasonal occupations in such industries as Retail Trade and Leisure and Hospitality,” said Chakib Chehadi, Workforce Solutions Alamo Executive Director. “The releases from these temporary jobs traditionally affect the unemployment rate in this manner at this time of year.”

Retail Trade lost -4,600 jobs over-the-month from December to January as employers released hires from the holiday season. Leisure and Hospitality posted a loss of -2,900 jobs as visitors to the Alamo region decline each January. Education and Health Services lost -3,300 jobs over-the-month, but posted a healthy gain of 2,200 jobs over-the-year, for a positive annual growth rate of 1.9 percent. Construction lost -800 jobs and dropped -4,900 jobs since January 2009, an annual loss rate of -9.9 percent. Manufacturing lost -600 jobs over-the-month and -3,400 jobs over-the-year for an annual loss rate of -7.6 percent. Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities lost -800 jobs and dropped -1,300 jobs since January 2009, and annual loss rate of -6.2 percent.

Government experienced an employment decrease of -1,500 jobs, but posted a positive annual growth rate of 1.8 percent, an addition of 2,800 jobs since January 2009.

When the San Antonio MSA is compared to the State and Nation, the Texas unadjusted (actual) unemployment rate increased to 8.6 percent in January, up from 8.0 in December 2009, while the national rate jumped to 10.6 percent, up from 9.7 percent. Comparatively, the state and nation release seasonally adjusted unemployment rates and report those at 8.2 and 9.7 percent for January.