Published June 2001

Jobless rate falls thanks
to seasonal hiring

By Mike Benbow
Herald Economy Editor

The jobless rate fell both locally and statewide in April as warmer weather put people back to work in seasonal activities such as construction or the tourist industry.

Statewide, unemployment fell half a percentage point in April, from 6.1 to 5.6 percent.

In Snohomish County, the rate fell from 4.7 percent in March to 4.5 percent last month.

“Seasonal hiring activities pick up at this time of year and reduce statewide the number of people unemployed,” said Employment Security Commissioner Sylvia Mundy. “The rate is up a half-point from last April, however, reflecting somewhat slower economic growth, both in the state and nationally.”

Snohomish County added 500 jobs in April, due partly to several large construction projects, such as the Women’s and Children’s Center at Providence Everett Medical Center and Everett Station.

All told, construction added 100 jobs, and aircraft and parts jobs also increased by 100, thanks to continued hiring at the Boeing Co.’s Everett plant. The other added jobs were scattered in a variety of fields.

On the downside, layoffs at US Marine in Arlington spurred a drop of 100 positions in ship and boat building, and positions at retail stores dropped by 200.

The April numbers mean that of an estimated labor force of 348,300 in the county, 332,800 people were working, while 15,600 were looking for work.

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