Washington’s unemployment rate held at 4.5 percent in November, despite preliminary estimates from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics that indicate the state added 9,800 jobs over the month.
The state Employment Security Department says while the jobless rate didn’t change, it stands at a record low, while businesses add jobs and more people join the labor force. The state’s labor force was 3.7 million in November, an increase of 5,200 people from the previous month. Private sector employment increased by 13,100 and government employment fell by 3,300 jobs in November.
The greatest job growth occurred in professional and business services; followed by education and health services; other services; wholesale trade; construction; transportation, warehousing and utilities; information; manufacturing; retail; and mining and logging.
Government faced the biggest reduction, followed by leisure and hospitality; and financial activities. (Washington Employment Security Department)
