Washington unemployment rate hits historic low in April

employment-security-department

Washington added 1,200 new jobs in April and the unemployment rate fell a tenth of a percent 4.6 percent – matching the state’s record low.

According to the state Employment Security Department, the last time the jobless rate fell that low was in June 2007.

Government employment increased by 1,900 jobs last month to more than offset a 700 job decrease in the private sector.  The greatest job growth occurred in government, followed by transportation, warehousing and utilities; wholesale trade; retail trade; and information.

Education and health services faced the biggest reduction in April, losing 12-hundred jobs.  Losses were also reported for financial activities; leisure and hospitality; professional and business services; manufacturing; and other services.

Construction; and mining and logging were unchanged.  (Washington Employment Security Department)