State jobless rate rises in July

Washington’s unemployment rate rose from 8.3 percent in June to 8.5 percent in July, the state Department of Employment Security said today.

At the same time, the state gained 5,000 jobs in various “other industries” sectors, including equipment repair, religious activities, dry cleaning, funeral services, pet care and dating services.

Job losses were reported in the professional and business services sector.

The rise in the unemployment rate stemmed largely from a 9,700 decline in the total workforce and a small increase in the number of unemployed who are looking for work, according to the department.

— Rachel Pritchett

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