Washington employers add jobs in September - Oct. 17, 2006

06-088

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

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

OLYMPIA – Washington employers continued to create jobs in September, with 4,100 new jobs added over the month, according to the Employment Security Department. 

At the same time, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate inched up one-tenth of a percentage point to 5.3 percent. The jobless rate increased at the same time that jobs were added because more unemployed people began looking for work.

The economic news for our state continues to look very good, with employers adding more jobs each month,” said Governor Chris Gregoire. “This growth highlights the importance of building a skilled work force so that we can keep these jobs in Washington and remain competitive in the global economy.”

“There continue to be a lot of opportunities for job seekers,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. “The news is particularly good for people who are looking for a career in health care, and construction also appears to be picking up again.”

Health services and finance led job growth in September, adding 1,800 and 1,600 net new jobs, respectively. The construction industry also saw strong growth, with 1,500 new jobs. 

By contrast, local educational services, which include school janitors, bus drivers and cafeteria workers, lost 3,000 jobs over the month. The drop is an aberration caused by averaging (seasonally adjusting) the figures for July, August and September.  The sector actually grew by about 1,000 jobs during the quarter. 

On a yearly comparison, some 84,400 net new jobs were created in Washington from September 2005 to September 2006. Annual non-farm job growth in the state was 3 percent, compared to a national rate of 1.3 percent over the year. 

Currently, there are an estimated 160,500 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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