Washington breaks low-unemployment record in April - May 15, 2007
07-029
:
Evelina Tainer,
360-438-4812
Caitlin Cormier,
360-902-9215
Audio: http://fortress.wa.gov/esd/portal/info/newsroom/audiofiles/audionews
The unemployment rate is the lowest since comparable record-keeping began in 1976.
“The news last month that Washington had record-low unemployment was very exciting, and today’s announcement is even further proof that our state economy is one of the strongest and fastest-growing in the nation,” said Governor Chris Gregoire. “I recently signed a new law that will link Washington business and research institutions with new products, job training and local investments to help local and regional economies. The focus on business and academic areas will move our communities - and our state - in the right direction.”
Washington employers added 2,900 nonfarm jobs (seasonally adjusted) last month. At the same time, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a percentage point from March’s 4.6 percent.
Industry sectors with the largest employment growth in April were professional and business services, with 2,100 new jobs, construction, up 900, and “other services,” such as membership organizations, up 500 new jobs.
The sectors that posted declines in April were manufacturing, down 900, financial activities, down 100, and government, down 100.
On a yearly comparison, more than 64,400 net new jobs were created in Washington from April 2006 to April 2007. Nonfarm job growth increased by 2.3 percent, compared to a national rate of 1.4 percent.
“This is a great time for people of all ages to find jobs, even our teens and new college graduates,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. “If anyone needs to brush up on their interviewing skills or write a better résumé, we have free assistance available online at go2worksource.com and at our WorkSource offices.”
An estimated 145,400 people (not seasonally adjusted) currently are unemployed and seeking work in Washington, down more than 23,000 from March.
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