Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 5.7 percent in July, up from June’s revised rate of 5.4 percent, according to the state Employment Security Department.
Washington added an estimated 3,300 non-agricultural jobs in July, after Junes employment was revised from the previous report of no change to a seasonally adjusted decline of 1,800 jobs.
The total number of non-agricultural jobs in Washington in July was up 29,500 over the same time in 2007, a 1 percent increase. Nationally, year-over-year jobs declined by 0.05 percent for the past year.
Industries in Washington with the largest job growth in July were government, with 900 new jobs, retail, with 800 new jobs, and information, with 800 new jobs. The largest declines were in financial activities, and professional and business services, both down 300 jobs.
An estimated 189,300 people (not seasonally adjusted) were unemployed and seeking work in Washington.
Job seekers are encouraged to get help looking for work at Employment Security’s affiliated WorkSource offices across the state, where a variety of employment services are offered, including free help with interviewing skills or resumes and with job referrals. In addition, nearly 25,000 current job openings are posted on http://www.go2worksource.com . Locations of local WorkSource offices are listed online. Assistance also is available by phone at (877) 872-5627.
