Job gains in state steady, but not enough to drop unemployment rate

New monthly numbers released be the state Employment Security Department show a consistent increase in new jobs over the past 11 months. But those numbers are offset by job losses and a stagnant economy. 5,700 jobs were added in July, but the unemployment rate remained at 9.3 percent.

Year over year, more than 37,000 jobs have been added in Washington, accounting for a gain of 46,000 private-sector jobs and a loss of 8,800 government jobs.

According to ESD, industries that posted gains in July were leisure and hospitality, which added 1,700 jobs; manufacturing, up 1,600; retail trade, up 1,200; transportation, warehousing and utilities, up 1,200; professional and business, up 1,100; financial activities, up 1,000; construction, up 800; and government, up 500.

Jobs were lost in other services, down 2,200, and information, down 1,000.

If you or someone you know is looking for work or may qualify for unemployment insurance, visit: ESD's website here.

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