Jobless Rate Up Slightly

Strong job growth and a comparable increase in the labor force combined to keep Washington state’s unemployment rate virtually unchanged in May, state employment officials said Tuesday.

The jobless rate inched up just one-tenth of a percent to 4.5 percent of the work force. The rate was three-tenths of a percent below the rate a year ago and matched the 32-year low recorded in May 1998.

The report said about 12,600 more Washington workers held non-farm jobs statewide than a year ago.

Of that increase, Spokane County accounted for nearly one third - showing a net increase of 4,700 non-agriculture jobs this May compared with one year ago.

State Employment Security Commissioner Carver Gayton credited continued growth in key sectors of the economy, particularly trade and services, for taking thousands of workers off the unemployment rolls.

That fits Spokane’s job gains. Last month, Spokane County had about 50,100 wholesale and retail trade workers. In May 1999, that category totaled 48,000 workers.

For all job categories, Spokane’s May 2000 figure was 195,900 - its highest in 30 years. One year earlier total non-farm and salaried jobs in Spokane County were 191,200.

Since May 1999, state data shows, Spokane’s retail trade businesses increased by 1,800 workers - from 35,100 in May 1999 to 36,900 last month.

During the past year, construction jobs in Spokane grew by 400.

Seasonally adjusted, the statewide jobless rate inched up one-tenth of a percent to 4.7 percent, compared with a national rate of 4.1 percent.

Total nonfarm wage and salary employment increased by 34,400, much stronger than the 20,600 jobs added in May 1999, the agency said.

Wholesale and retail trade jumped by 8,500, led by seasonal boosts in building material and garden supplies, food stores and eating and drinking places. Services employment increased by 7,100.

This sidebar appeared with the story: Jobless rates

These are the May unemployment percentages for selected Washington counties.

Spokane 4.6

Adams 7.4

Asotin 3.6

Benton 5.6

Clark 3.6

Columbia 6.3

Douglas 6.5

Ferry 13.7

Franklin 6.6

Garfield 3.7

Grant 9.3

King 3.2

Lincoln 4.2

Okanogan 8.1

Pend Oreille 8.1

Pierce 4.7

Snohomish 3.7

Stevens 7.9

Walla Walla 4.7

Whitman 1.6

State high Ferry (13.7)

State low Whitman (1.6)