Published November 2000

State, county
jobless rates fall

By Mike Benbow
Herald Economy Editor

The state’s unemployment rate plummeted in September by the largest margin in 20 years, Employment Security Commissioner Carver Gayton recently reported.

“The transition from the summer’s soft labor market to a more seasonal autumn economy caused the decrease,” Gayton said.

Washington’s jobless rate fell 0.6 percentage points in September to 4.2 percent.

Snohomish County’s rate fell as well, from 3.7 percent in August to 3.4 percent. That means that out of a potential labor force of 337,900 people, 11,600 were jobless.

Gayton said the state overall added 15,000 jobs outside agriculture. Education overall added 5,100 jobs, while service jobs increased by 3,900. Transportation equipment added 400.

Manufacturing payrolls gave back some of August’s gain, releasing 1,000 workers. Other cutbacks included 300 in lumber products, 300 in aluminum and 200 in sawmills and plywood. Aircraft and parts decreased by 200. Construction employment shed 500 in the general building sector. Wholesale and retail trade was down 900 workers.

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