SAN ANTONIO (June 20, 2008) -- Workforce Solutions Alamo released information today indicating that the San Antonio job market experienced strong job gains in May. Total Nonagricultural Employment in the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) expanded by 3,500 jobs (0.4 percent) for the month, bringing annual job growth to 15,600 jobs (1.9 percent). Hiring by the Leisure & Hospitality employers once again accounted for the largest monthly job gains in May, aided by the Construction sector, which also realized solid job growth for the month.

"While the Alamo region did see an increase in the unemployment rate since this same time last year, we experienced a decrease in only one industry since last month," said Workforce Solutions Alamo Executive Director Chakib Chehadi. "This is because our labor force has grown by approximately 21,000 people or 2.3 percent since this time last year. There are more individuals entering the labor force as students graduate, and we can assume the Alamo region is becoming not only attractive to employers, but to job seekers as well."

For the fourth consecutive month, the Leisure & Hospitality sector posted the largest employment gains, adding 1,900 jobs (1.9 percent) in May as area hotels, restaurants, and amusement parks ramp up for a busy summer season. The San Antonio area Construction sector, likewise, registered a fourth consecutive month of healthy job growth, adding 500 jobs (1.0 percent) in May, and gained 2, 500 jobs (5.1 percent) since May 2007. The Trade, Transportation & Utilities sector added jobs, a welcome change, as the Wholesale Trade recovered from last month's employment drop with a gain of 200 jobs and gained 200 jobs since May 2007. Also posting substantial job growth for the month, the Financial Activities sector added 300 jobs (0.5 percent); the Information sector added 200 jobs (0.9 percent); and the Government sector added 100 jobs (0.1 percent). The Manufacturing sector held steady with no changes. Only the Professional & Business Services sector experienced job losses in May, reducing payrolls by 100 (-0.1 percent).

The unadjusted unemployment rate for the San Antonio MSA also increased to 4.0 percent in May, up from 3.6 percent in April. The Texas unadjusted unemployment rate increased to 4.3 percent in May while the national rate jumped to 5.2 percent. Comparatively, the state and national seasonally adjusted unemployment rates registered 4.5 and 5.5 percent, respectively in May.