State’s Jobless Rate Drops

Washington's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 6.8 percent in May, the first time under 7 percent since November of 2008. Since the first of this year the rate has dropped 0.07 percent. In addition to a decrease from April's 7 percent rate, the state added an estimated 4,100 jobs in May.

Industries that saw the most job gains in May included government, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality. Manufacturing, professional and business services, and other services saw the most losses, along with construction.

Nearly 237,000 people were unemployed and looking for work last month, including more than 119,000 who claimed unemployment benefits.

Categories: Yakima News