State unemployment rate stays stable in October - Nov. 13, 2007

07-088

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Caitlin Cormier, 360-902-9215

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OLYMPIA – Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged in October from September’s 4.8 percent rate, according to the state Employment Security Department. 
 
Washington’s seasonally adjusted non-agricultural jobs increased by 7,200 in October after a drop in September. A portion of the October gain was due to a large reversal in the government sector after a plunge in September.
 
“The low unemployment we’ve enjoyed this entire year is one of the indicators we look at to judge the economy’s health and it’s great to be able to say that we are still doing well,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee.  “In fact, the numbers we have for last month continue the healthy job-growth trend we have enjoyed for the past three years.”
 
In October, industries with the largest job growth were government, with 2,900 new jobs, construction, up 900, and manufacturing, with 900 new jobs.
 
Industries that saw growth declines were “other services,” down 200, and transportation, warehousing and utilities, down 100. 
 
Since October 2006, 84,900 net new jobs have been created in Washington.  Over all, non-agricultural job growth increased by 3 percent, compared to a national increase of 1.2 percent.  

An estimated 145,900 people (not seasonally adjusted) currently are unemployed and seeking work in Washington. 

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