Employment fell in Washington in May

Employment in Washington fell by 700 in May, the first decline after eight months of increases, the Employment Security Department reported today. Despite the reduction, the unemployment rate declined to 9.1 percent from a revised 9.2 percent for April. The April rate was initially pegged at 9.1 percent. The leisure and hospitality industry added 3,200 jobs, and government employment increased by 200, the first gain in several months. Wholesale trade declined by 2,100, and retail trade 1,600.