Washington jobless rate increases slightly

Washington state’s unemployment rate was 6.1 percent in June, up slightly from 6 percent in May.

“The Washington state economy has leveled off, following the national trend,” state Employment Security Commissioner Sylvia Mundy said Tuesday. “Discouraged workers are re-entering the job market in response to last month’s good economic news. Additionally, this year’s college graduates have started looking for work. Employment growth is not strong enough to account for all new entrants.”

Spokane County’s unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in June, unchanged from May. The statistics represent figures that are not seasonally adjusted.

Statewide, nonagricultural jobs grew by 21,700 between May and June. Most of the job growth reflected seasonal gains, Mundy said. Tourism and hospitality jobs increased by 6,900; construction was up by 3,700; retail jobs grew by 3,300; and professional and business services added 3,000 jobs. Education jobs declined by 3,400, as schools let out for the summer.

The manufacturing industry added 1,600 jobs, and the information sector added 1,400 jobs. About 196,834 Washington residents were looking for work last month.