More than 35,000 jobs were lost across the Houston area in July, with schools and government employment leading the decline. Experts say summer layoffs are common, but this year’s numbers were steeper than usual.
In July, the Houston area experienced a significant loss of over 35,000 jobs, primarily affecting public schools and universities, according to Workforce Solutions.
Last month, the agency revealed a loss of 30,500 jobs, primarily attributed to reductions in government-sector employment, encompassing education. Analysts observed that job losses in July are common due to the conclusion of the school year, yet this summer's figures exceeded forecasts.
“It's like I apply to a lot of jobs, maybe over 50 jobs, no replies,” said Robert Lagard, one of hundreds of job seekers who attended Workforce Solutions’ “Bytes and Hires” job fair on Thursday.
Lagard, who holds a management information systems degree from Texas Southern University, shared with ABC 13 News that the search has been discouraging. “It's tough, it just seems like you put them in and it just goes to nothing, I don't know.”
Others shared similar struggles. “I was building a home until I got laid off,” said Charlie Garcia, who has been looking for work for six months. “I can do commercial/residential work, and I'm just hopeful this place will help me find something.”
In the face of disappointing statistics, numerous job seekers expressed a sense of hopefulness. “I earned my degree in management information systems from Texas Southern University, and I’m eager to explore new opportunities and discover what this job fair has in store,” Lagard stated.
Workforce Solutions reports that Houston’s unemployment rate increased to 4.5% in July, up from 4.3% in June. Last month, the number of unemployed individuals in Houston reached nearly 175,000, an increase from 167,000 the previous month. The rate is above the average for Texas, yet it remains just under the national average.
Experts emphasize that the figures from July should not be interpreted as an indication of a prolonged decline. Seasonal layoffs associated with the academic calendar have traditionally influenced Houston’s employment statistics, but this year's numbers indicate a more pronounced increase.
Nevertheless, individuals in search of employment, such as Lagard and Garcia, express their continued optimism.
With hiring events ongoing throughout the city, analysts suggest that the next few months will determine if Houston’s workforce can recover from the seasonal dip experienced in July.
