Washington unemployment rate holds as payroll hiring continues to slow in September

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Washington’s economy lost 3,100 jobs in September as the state’s monthly unemployment rate held firm at 4.6 percent.

According to the Employment Security Department, lackluster hiring in the public sector pushed the payroll number into negative territory last month. However, economists say the upward revision to last month’s payroll numbers together with hiring reported by households suggests the state’s labor market is holding up.

The state’s labor force in September climbed by nearly 12,000 from the previous month. The labor force is the total number of people, both employed and unemployed, over the age of 16.

September’s largest job growth occurred in retail trade; wholesale trade; financial activities; education and health services; and construction. Also posting gains were manufacturing; leisure and hospitality; information; and transportation, warehousing, and utilities.

Government posted the largest decline, followed by other services; and professional and business services.

Mining and logging was the only industry sector that remained unchanged. (Washington Employment Security Department)

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