Washington’s economy lost an estimated 35,900 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in October even as the monthly unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.7%. “October shows an unusually high drop in jobs, unlike the relatively small changes over the past several months,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist for the Employment Security Department. “This is largely a reflection […]
Paid Family & Medical Leave premiums to increase in 2025
More than 175,000 Washington workers have received Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits in 2024 thus far, totaling $1.35 billion — a record compared to the first nine months of previous years. With the rise in demand, the Paid Leave premium rate will increase. Starting Jan. 1, 2025: Washington’s Paid Leave program is funded by […]
State unemployment rate holds steady in September
Washington’s economy lost an estimated 2,000 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in September, and the monthly unemployment rate held steady at 4.8%. “Washington’s labor market has been in a holding pattern,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist for the Employment Security Department. “The unemployment rate has been holding around 4.8% for most of the year, and the […]
New report shows ESD’s reemployment program helps job seekers earn more and find work faster
A federally funded program to help job seekers secure a job is working, according to a report released by the Employment Security Department. Job seekers who claimed unemployment benefits and were assigned to participate in the agency’s Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment program (RESEA) were more likely to find a job, earn more money and […]
State unemployment rate drops slightly in August
Washington’s economy added an estimated 1,600 jobs (seasonally adjusted), and the August unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.8%. “Washington employers continue to add jobs, with significant variation from one industry to the next,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist for the Employment Security Department. Goods producers, including construction, manufacturing, and mining and logging industries, experienced […]
Two Lakewood businesses among 30 state businesses nominated for Employer of the Year Awards
The Washington State Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment (GCDE) announces the 2024 nominees for the Governor’s Employer Awards. These awards honor public and private employers statewide for their exemplary work recruiting, hiring, retaining and promoting workers with disabilities. Employer of the Year Award nominees listed in alphabetical order by city: Washington businesses, agencies, organizations and […]
Unemployment rate rises slightly as the labor market cools
Washington’s economy shed an estimated 100 jobs (seasonally adjusted), and the July unemployment rate rose to 4.9%. “Washington’s labor market is in a holding pattern,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist for the Employment Security Department. “July marked the fifth consecutive month with an unemployment rate in the 4.8% to 4.9% range. Payroll employment shows a […]
State leaders, program recipients celebrate major Paid Family & Medical Leave milestones
TACOMA – In the five years since Washington launched one of the nation’s most generous paid family and medical leave programs, customers have submitted more than 1 million applications and have received more than $5 billion in benefits. On Wednesday, Gov. Jay Inslee, Employment Security Department Commissioner Cami Feek, legislators, customers and community leaders highlighted the growing impact […]
Payroll employment ticked up in June; unemployment remained at 4.9%
Washington’s economy added an estimated 7,100 jobs (seasonally adjusted), and the June unemployment rate remained at 4.9% for the second month in a row. “The unemployment rate has been climbing slowly over the past several months but held steady over the month and has remained below 5% since summer 2021,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor […]