**Baja California Among Six States with Job Losses in July**
In July 2024, Baja California reported an annual decline of -1.1% in formal job registrations with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS). This positioned the state among the six in Mexico experiencing job losses during this period.
The state with the most significant annual job reduction was Tabasco, with a -10.8% decline. Following Tabasco were Zacatecas (-1.9%), Baja California (-1.1%), Chihuahua (-0.8%), Durango (-0.2%), and Baja California Sur (-0.1%).
Conversely, Chiapas saw the highest employment growth, with a 6.4% annual increase. Nationally, the Mexican labor market created 36,131 new jobs in July, but 23,787 were lost, resulting in a net gain of 12,344 jobs (0.1%) compared to June 2024.
By July, the total number of registered workers rose to 22,331,788, of which 86.6% were permanent positions, and the remainder were temporary. Compared to July 2023, employment grew by 446,649 positions, marking a 2.0% annual increase.
The transportation and communications sector led job creation with a 5.6% annual rise, followed by commerce (3.2%), construction (3.0%), business services (2.4%), social and community services (2.3%), the electrical industry (2.0%), manufacturing (0.3%), and extractive industries (0.2%). In contrast, the agricultural sector experienced a -3.3% decline.
Mónica Flores, President of ManpowerGroup LATAM, noted that the second half of the year began positively, breaking the negative employment trend of the previous two months. She emphasized that while employment generation is slower compared to last year, it remains in positive territory and has not led to mass layoffs.
Flores projected the creation of 250,000 to 300,000 formal jobs in the third quarter of the year, with 45% of employers planning to expand their workforce, particularly in the energy and communications sectors.
**Related News: Improved Employment Rates and Sector-Specific Developments**
According to additional reports, while Baja California experienced job losses, other regions and sectors are seeing positive trends. For instance, in the same month, the transport and communications sector across Mexico showed a significant uptick in employment opportunities, reflecting the nation’s growing investment and focus on infrastructure and technological advancements.
In a broader context, the Mexican government has been investing heavily in various projects to boost the economy and job market. Recent initiatives include substantial federal resources allocated for the Otay industrial zone paving project in Baja California, aimed at enhancing industrial infrastructure and fostering long-term job creation in the region.
Additionally, the President of Mexico has reiterated calls for cooperation with international partners to combat criminal enterprises and improve regional security, which indirectly supports workforce stability and growth by fostering a safer and more regulated economic environment.