Unemployment edges up to 9.2 percent in Washington state

The unemployment rate in Washington state ticked up to 9.2 percent in November, according to preliminary data released today by the Washington State Employment Security Department. The national rate was 9.8 percent in November, up from 9.6 percent in each of the prior three months.

The continuing story behind the flat unemployment rate is that the number of jobs being created is not sufficient to put a dent in unemployment. Since the official end of the recession in June 2009, the state of Washington has lost 1.1 percent of its jobs. TechFlash reports that Washington has added 10,300 private-sector jobs over the past 11 months, but combined with job losses in government, this adds up to a net gain of 6,200 jobs.

The question now is, which local industries will lead the way in creating jobs? According to the ESD report, the retail trade and education and health sectors grew the most, both adding 5,300 jobs this past year. Computer systems design added 3,100 jobs, and employment services added 2,600 jobs.