Jobs up and unemployment down in August - September 12, 2006

06-082

Media contacts: Evelina Tainer, 360-438-4812
Hilary Young, 360-902-9454

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

OLYMPIA – More jobs and lower unemployment sum up the August employment picture in Washington, according to the Employment Security Department. 

“This is more good news for Washington businesses and job seekers,” said Governor Chris Gregoire. “By continuing to invest in education and skills training, we can continue to make Washington a good place for workers and businesses.”

Employers added 2,400 non-farm jobs during the month, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped one-tenth of a percentage point, to 5.2 percent.

It’s really a buyer’s market for people who want to work in Washington,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. “Whether someone is interested in working at the local mall or wants a career in nursing, there are plenty of jobs out there and new jobs are being added all the time.” 

The service sector continued to lead job growth, contributing 2,900 net new jobs in August. Within the service sector, local government, education and health care each added 1,100 jobs, and wholesale trade added 1,000 jobs. 

By contrast, goods producers reported a net loss of jobs, with construction and food manufacturing shedding 500 jobs each in August. 

On a yearly comparison, some 74,400 net new jobs were created in Washington from August 2005 to August 2006. Annual non-farm job growth in the state was 2.7 percent, compared to a national rate of 1.3 percent over the year. 

Currently, there are an estimated 164,500 people who are unemployed and seeking work in Washington.  Lee said she encourages job seekers to visit a local WorkSource office and to check online job listings at www.go2worksource.com. 

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