The numbers are out and Laredo’s unemployment rate continues rising.
Of course ... the news isn't good.... but some local business say they knew it was coming.
Our Annette Garcia explains.
Maritza Gonzalez, Administrative Assistant, HEB]
“Its either happening in their households or they see it out with their friends or out in the community.”
People in Laredo ... is heading to local stores and restaurants faster than ever ... according to some.
But not in search of groceries or food.
This time they're looking for a job.
“We do have quite a lot of applicants.”
“Cinco meses y desde que abriemos la gente a venido pedir trabajo.”
Salvador Diaz.... Assistant manager for Eduardo’s says their restaurant has been open for five months ... and since they first opened their doors people have been pouring in asking for work.
Annette Garcia, agarcia@pro8news.com
“Eduardo’s is expanding even opening a new dining room and assistant managers say they know there will be plenty of applicants to take up new positions.”
Salvador Diaz, Assistant Manager, Eduardos
“Por semana recibimos hasta 30 personas pediendo trabajo por dia.”
He says they've seen up to 30 people in one day ... looking to fill out an application.
It seems its been another month of lay-offs and cut backs for many businesses.
According to the Texas Workforce Commission ... Laredo unemployment rate rose again in May ... at 7.6 percent.... up from Aprils 7.2 percent.
The numbers ... even more drastic when compared to those of last year.
Just under five percent of Laredoans were unemployed in may of 2008 .... A whole two and a half percent less than this year.
“No va ver espacio para tanta gente que anda buscando trabajo.”
There won't be enough space for all the people looking for work. He says.
Still he hopes business will grow ... opening the door for more of Laredo’s unemployed.
Annette Garcia, Pro 8 News.
The state unemployment rate as a whole jumped from 6.6 percent in April to 7.1 percent in May.
But Laredo’s numbers don’t seem as bad when compared to those of the valley.
In Brownsville.... unemployment stands at nine percent ... the highest in the state.