Job growth strong in February - March 21, 2006

06-026

Media contacts: Greg Weeks, 360-438-4804
Hilary Young, 360-902-9454

Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audio

OLYMPIA – The number of non-farm jobs in Washington increased by 10,100 in February, up 98,300 from a year earlier, according to the state Employment Security Department (ESD).

Because more people have decided to look for work, increasing the overall size of the “job market,” the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly, from 4.6 percent to 4.8 percent.  

The unemployment rate measures how many people in the state do not have jobs and are actively seeking work. 

“It’s more good news for Washington’s economy,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. “People see that employers are consistently adding jobs, so they are coming out to look for work. The work force in our state is thriving.”

Employment Security economists said that job gains last month continued to be widespread across industries. The increase was led by a surge in construction, which added 2,500 jobs. The services sector also saw strong growth, adding 1,700 new jobs in education and health services and 1,400 new jobs in professional and business services. 

Lee said she encourages the estimated 187,900 unemployed workers in Washington to visit a local WorkSource office and to check online job listings at www.go2worksource.com. 

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