Austin-Round Rock region experienced annual growth rate of -9.1%, representing the collective loss of 100,500 jobs since April 2019
AUSTIN – Figures released by the Texas Workforce Commission today show the unemployment rate in the Austin-Round Rock MSA increased from 3.8% in March 2020 to 12.2% in April 2020. The 12.2% unemployment rate represented 138,089 residents seeking jobless benefits. The region’s unemployment rate remained below both the Texas (13.0%) and national (14.4%) rates.
Further, unemployment in the Capital Area/Travis County rose from 3.7% in March 2020 to 12.4% in April 2020. The 12.4% unemployment rate represented 84,222 residents who have applied for jobless benefits. The Capital Area/Travis County unemployment rate rose above the overall Austin-Round Rock MSA rate, but remained below the state of Texas and national rates.
Workforce Solutions Capital Area is providing assistance to affected residents and businesses while the COVID-19 health crisis impacts our region’s economy.
“We are the first responders for employment during this disaster,” said Tamara Atkinson, Chief Executive Officer for Workforce Solutions Capital Area. “We are here to help Travis County return to work, by assisting impacted workers to find a job or businesses to keep their doors open.”
“Our plan to support our community through this crisis now focuses on recovery,” said Melanie Flowers, Chair of the Board of Directors for Workforce Solutions Capital Area. “Workforce Solutions is helping businesses navigate re-opening and helping our workforce understand about both employment and virtual education opportunities.”
Residents seeking assistance can contact us at 512.549.4967 or visit www.wfscapitalarea.com. Workforce Solutions stands with Austin and offers many resources, including:
- Jobs Now: This online tool features over 1,000 job openings for over thousands of listings with employers across Austin and is updated daily. Job seekers can search openings at www.wfscapitalarea.com/Job-Seekers/Jobs-Now.
- Childcare assistance for Austin’s workforce. Residents returning to work who will need child care may be eligible for tuition scholarships. To begin, parents can online apply to join the childcare waitlist at http://www.wfscapitalarea.com/ChildCareServices.
- Resources for businesses. Workforce Solutions offers outplacement assistance, layoff aversion strategies, and potential financial assistance at no cost to Austin’s employers. To get started, go to www.wfscapitalarea.com/Employer-Services/COVID-19-Resources-for-Employers.
