Readers,
This news release from the Washington Employment Security Department. Rachel Pritchett
OLYMPIA – Washington’s black-and-blue economy continued its
comeback in April.
The state added an estimated 5,800 jobs last month, while the
unemployment rate dipped from 9.2 to 9.1 percent.
Since April 2010, Washington has added an estimated 41,500
jobs.
“We’re beginning to see job growth pick up some real momentum,”
said Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause. “It’s tough to
not feel optimistic about where we’re going.”
Industries that posted gains in April were construction, up 2,400;
professional and business services, up 1,700; manufacturing, up
1,200; retail trade, up 900; transportation, warehousing and
utilities, up 900; information, up 900; education and health
services, up 900; financial activities, up 500; and wholesale
trade, up 200.
Jobs were lost in government, down 2,500; other services, down 800;
and leisure and hospitality, down 500.
An estimated 307,737 people (not seasonally adjusted) in Washington
were unemployed and looking for work in April, and 217,038 people
received unemployment benefits from Washington.
Employment Security is a partner in the statewide WorkSource
system, which offers a variety of employment and training services
for job seekers, including free help with interviewing skills,
résumés and job referrals. WorkSource also can help employers
recruit and screen for qualified workers, apply for employment tax
breaks and qualify for subsidized employee training.
Locations of local WorkSource offices are listed online at
www.go2worksource.com. Assistance also is available by phone at
877-872-5627.
In addition, more than 22,000 job openings are posted online at www.go2worksource.com.
