Unemployment claims from recently laid off federal employees has doubled from this time last year, and new data shows where those federal employees previously worked and currently live. As of March 5, 952 federal employees have applied for unemployment benefits with the Employment Security Department since the start of 2025, compared to 472 at this […]
Employment Security assists federal workers with unemployment claims, job searches amid rise in layoffs
With a rise in federal government layoffs, the Employment Security Department is helping affected federal employees apply for unemployment and get back to work. The department is experiencing an increase in unemployment claims from federal employees this week, including 63 on Tuesday, Feb. 18. “My administration is standing at the ready to support all Washington […]
State unemployment rate decreases slightly in December as Washington adds jobs
Washington’s economy added an estimated 11,800 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in December, and the monthly unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.5%. “Washington’s labor economy finished 2024 strong,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist for the Employment Security Department. “The unemployment rate dropped to the lowest rate on record during the calendar year. The only two months […]
State unemployment rate dips in November as Washington adds jobs
Washington’s economy added an estimated 30,900 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in November, and the monthly unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.6%. The one-month gains are largely due to the Boeing machinists’ strike ending in October. “Deep, temporary losses in October translated into large gains in November,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist for the Employment Security […]
State unemployment rate dips in September despite job losses
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 […]