Stable, strong economy reflected in lower state unemployment rate - September 18, 2007
07-063
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OLYMPIA – Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.6 percent in August from July’s rate of 4.9 percent, according to the state Employment Security Department.
The lower unemployment rate was accompanied by an increase of 10,400 non-agricultural jobs last month (seasonally adjusted).
“I am running out of ways to say ‘the news is good.’ Washington’s unemployment rate has remained at historic lows since the beginning of the year,” said Governor Chris Gregoire. “Our consistently strong economy is bolstered by this low unemployment rate and our strong revenue forecast.”
In August, industries with the largest job growth were government, with 4,500 new jobs, education and health services, up 1,300, and leisure and hospitality, with 1,300 new jobs. In the goods-producing sector, construction employment increased by 400 jobs and manufacturers added 600 jobs.
The weakest major industry sector was “other services,” down 100. Both the natural resources and mining sector and the transportation, warehousing and utilities sector remained unchanged.
Since August 2006, 87,900 net new jobs have been created in Washington. Over all, non-agricultural job growth increased by 3.1 percent, compared to a national rate increase of 1.2 percent.
“So far, we are not seeing the slowdown that some parts of the country are experiencing,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. “For people who are looking for work or looking for a better job, there are a lot of vacant jobs in our state to choose from.”
An estimated 148,300 people (not seasonally adjusted) currently are unemployed and seeking work in Washington. Free job-readiness and job-search assistance is available online at go2worksource.com and at local WorkSource offices.
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