(The Center Square) – Washington’s economy lost an estimated 2,600 jobs in November while unemployment ticked up to 4% for the first time in months, state officials said Wednesday.
That’s a reversal from October’s numbers, according to the Employment Security Department. In the latest report, the agency did revise its preliminary estimate of 7,900 job gains in October downward to only 3,100 jobs.
Of the 13 industry sectors monitored by the agency, four expanded, eight contracted, and one was unchanged in November.
According to ESD figures, employment in professional and business services fell by estimated 2,600 jobs between October and November, particularly in administrative and support services. Information services fell by 1,500 jobs and construction trades saw an overall decrease of 800 jobs with many losses concentrated among specialty trade contractors. Construction work can be weather-dependent in Washington and often diminishes during late fall and winter months.
In contrast, the government industry sector rose by 1,000 jobs in November. Two other sectors also saw somewhat surprising increases. Manufacturing rose by 1,400 jobs, which officials attributed to hiring by employers making aerospace products and parts. And the leisure/hospitality sector increased by 1,000 jobs with the largest gains seen in the categories of arts, entertainment, and recreation.
Washington state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in October was confirmed at 3.8% before inching up last month. Conversely, the national jobless rate decreased from 3.9% to 3.7%, according to Employment Security.
“October’s job gains were largely reversed in November. Payroll employment dropped and the unemployment rate reached four percent after five consecutive months below four percent,” ESD chief labor economist Anneliese Vance-Sherman in a press release Wednesday.
“The demand for workers remains elevated. However, some softening of the labor market is evident,” said Vance-Sherman.
ESD paid unemployment benefits to 61,826 people in November, an increase of 7,162 claims from October. Seasonal layoffs related to agriculture, construction, and manufacturing work contributed to the overall increase in claims, the agency said.
The state’s labor force in November totaled nearly 4.06 million people, an increase of 1,889 prospective workers from October. A big gain was seen in the Puget Sound region of Seattle, Bellevue, and Everett, which saw a gain of 3,715 people.
Labor force is defined as the total number of people, both employed and unemployed, over age 16. Individuals who have lost jobs but are still seeking work remain part of the labor force; those who have not actively sought employment for more than a month are not.
