Stable unemployment rate good news in December - Jan. 16, 2007

07-005

Media contacts: Evelina Tainer, 360-438-4812
Caitlin Cormier, 360-902-9215

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

OLYMPIA – Washington’s unemployment rate remained steady in December, rounding out a year of good economic growth, according to the state Employment Security Department. 

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged in December from November’s 5 percent, while Washington employers added 3,300 non-farm jobs (seasonally adjusted). 

“The job picture in Washington continues to shine in the nation’s economy,” said Governor Chris Gregoire. “Our steady growth in industries such as aerospace and software helps us reach out nationally and globally and create a strong job market that benefits Washingtonians.” 

Professional and business services continued to see gains, with 2,000 new jobs over the month.  Construction added 1,500 jobs. Leisure and hospitality grew by 800, largely due to food services and drinking establishments.

Industries with the largest declines were government, with 800 fewer jobs; transportation, warehousing and utilities, down 500; and education and health services, down 300. 

On a yearly comparison, more than 79,200 net new jobs were created in Washington from December 2005 to December 2006.  The average unemployment rate in Washington for 2006 was 4.9 percent, which is the lowest annual average rate in the state since 1999, when it was also 4.9 percent. Non-farm job growth was 2.8 percent, compared to a national rate of 1.4 percent.

“The job growth over the past year shows that our businesses are doing well, and it provided workers with many opportunities to obtain work or to move into better jobs,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee.  “We will work hard to take advantage of that growth trend as we continue into 2007.” 

An estimated 167,600 people (not seasonally adjusted) currently 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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