November unemployment rate goes down - Dec. 18, 2007

07-100

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OLYMPIA – Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.7 percent in November from October’s rate of 4.8 percent, according to the state Employment Security Department.  

The lower unemployment rate was fueled by an increase of 5,200 non-agricultural jobs (seasonally adjusted). 

“We already had the lowest unemployment rate in the current history of our state and we are creating even more jobs in Washington,” said Governor Chris Gregoire.  “This is an exciting time for Washington businesses and workers and shows our economy is still strong.”

In November, industries with the largest job growth were professional and business services, with 1,600 new jobs, education and health services, up 900, transportation, warehousing and utilities, up 800, and manufacturing, with 800 new jobs. 

The weakest major industry sector was information, down 300.  

Since November 2006, 78,600 net new jobs have been created in Washington.  Over all, non-agricultural job growth increased by 2.7 percent, compared to a national rate increase of 1.1 percent.  

“Our unemployment rate has stayed remarkably consistent and remarkably low since the beginning of the year,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. 

An estimated 160,500 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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