Spokane County unemployment rate increases to 4.9% in November

Spokane County’s unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.9% in November, according to nonseasonally adjusted data from the Washington State Employment Security Department.

The county dropped 1,200 nonfarm jobs and 1,200 private-sector positions in November, compared with October, according to the department.

The construction sector .lost 1,000 jobs in November. The retail trade sector added 800 jobs, and the trade, transportation and utilities sector posted 900 jobs gained. Leisure and hospitality shed 400 jobs last month.

The county’s unemployment rate was 4.8% in October and 4.8% in November 2018.

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4% in November.