San Antonio area employers lost 11,200 jobs in January, or 1.3 percent of its total employment. However, what was lost over the last month has been offset by a net gain of 24,200 jobs, or 3 percent, since January 2007.

That's according to information released Thursday by Alamo WorkSource.

The largest job losses came in the retail trade and professional business services sectors, which experienced declines of 4,900 and 1,300 jobs, respectively.

"For the second consecutive year, the San Antonio MSA has posted annual January job growth at or above 3 percent," says Alamo WorkSource Executive Director Chakib Chenadi. "The expected losses registered in the major industry sectors appear not to have stunted the regional job market's strong momentum, as all major industry sectors posted positive annual growth rates in January."

The Construction sector lost 600 jobs over the month, but gained a net 3,600 over the year. Similarly, Wholesale Trade employers lost 500 jobs over the month, but gained 500 jobs over the year. The Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities sector lost 500 jobs over the month, but gained 600 jobs over the year.

Financial Activities lost 400 jobs in January, but gained 500 jobs over the year. Education and Health Services and Leisure and Hospitality lost 700 and 800 seasonal jobs in January, respectively.

The Government sector lost 700 jobs in January. However, this sector gained an overall 4,200 jobs for the year.

The unadjusted unemployment rate for the San Antonio metropolitan statistical area rose to 4.4 percent in January, up from 4 percent in December. The Texas unadjusted unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent in January.

Alamo WorkSource provides employment services to more than 2 million residents and 40,000 businesses in San Antonio and 12 counties.

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