New national unemployment figures show the highest rate of joblessness in five years. It's a concern that hits all business sectors.

Here's a comparison of the national numbers with those of Texas and Austin.

Every month at this Workforce Center on Airport Boulevard near Highland Mall, an estimated 20,000 people come here to find a job.

It's what brings Tyrone Thomas through the doors. "And I'm just looking for something. Unfortunately, I got laid off. I'm looking for anything," Thomas said.

Thomas has a better chance of finding work in Texas than elsewhere in the nation, which has the highest unemployment rate in 5 years at 6.1 percent.

Texas' numbers won't be out for a couple of weeks, but July unemployment statewide was at 4.7 percent and in Austin-Round Rock it was 4.4 percent.

And while there's been a slight slow down, new jobs are still being created.

"In Austin, there are new jobs in construction, financial services, business services, leisure and hospitality. All those areas grew last year and that's a good sign," Ann Hatchitt, Director of Communications of the Texas Workforce Commission said.

However, like the rest of the economy, there have also been lay-offs in Austin. In July, 6,600 jobs were cut. Federal law requires companies laying off more than 50 workers to notify the Texas Workforce Commission.

"And even before the layoffs occur the Texas Workforce Commission goes in and assists those employees. We might be able to help them find a job before they lose their previous job," Hatchitt said.

"I was in the U.S. Army for five years. I worked for General Motors for two years in the legal department. I have a lot of customer assistance experience," Thomas said.

Thomas will receive priority from the Workforce Commission because he's a veteran and he has a solid work record.

The non-profit organization prides itself on providing resources that help keep Texas and Austin unemployment figures lower than the nations.