3-21-2019
OLYMPIA, Wash. — Reversing a long-running trend, Washington’s economy lost jobs in February.
The Employment Security Department reports the state’s economy shed 8,700 jobs last month but the unemployment rate stayed steady at 4.5%, allaying some economists’ fears of a slowdown.
Ten industry sectors contracted — including construction which lost 3,400 jobs — while just three saw job increases.
Overall, private sector employment fell by 7,900 jobs while the public sector lost 800.
The department also revised the number of jobs gained in January down from 12,300 to 10,400.