Washington’s unemployment rate the lowest in six years - Feb. 28, 2006

06-017

Media contacts: Greg Weeks, 360-438-4804
Sheryl Hutchison, 360-902-9289

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

OLYMPIA – The Washington State Employment Security Department announced today that Washington’s unemployment rate for January dipped to 4.7 percent, the lowest rate since December 1999 and 0.5 percentage points lower than the December 2005 revised rate of 5.2 percent.

The unemployment rate is based on a survey of Washington households, which indicated that total, seasonally adjusted employment grew by 13,600 in January. 

A separate survey of Washington businesses found that the seasonally adjusted number of non-farm jobs dropped by 7,200 in January. However, Employment Security economists said the number of non-farm jobs will probably be revised upward when more results are turned in.

“The survey results appear mixed, but there is no question that Washington’s economy continues to be strong,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. 

Industries that reported adding the most jobs in January included construction firms (1,600 more jobs) and general merchandise stores (1,900 jobs). Industries that reported the most employment declines included retail trade (down 3,600 jobs), transportation and warehousing (down 2,200), and health services (down 2,300). 

Total employment in January was just over 3.1 million, while 155,000 were unemployed – down 18,400 from December.

Over all, at least 88,500 non-farm jobs were added from January 2005 to January 2006.  

January 2006 employment information for regions and communities around Washington will be released next week.

People looking for work may search thousands of Washington jobs that are posted online at www.go2worksource.com.  Assistance also is available at local WorkSource offices. 

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