The jobless rates in Snohomish County plunged in September, but
economists with the state Employment Security Department say it's too early to
tell whether the dramatic drop signals a real economic turnaround or is simply a
statistical blip.
The agency reported that the county's unemployment
rate fell to 5.2 percent in September, a drop of seven-tenths of a percentage
point from 5.9 percent in August.
That's the lowest level of
unemployment in the county since August 2001.
The numbers were similar
statewide. Washington's September rate was 5.1 percent, a drop of eight-tenths
of a percentage point from August.
However, it's hard to generalize
about the numbers, with some industries continuing with layoffs and others in
the hiring mode, said Donna Thompson, a labor economist with the Employment
Security Department.
Among those hiring are the aerospace industry, with
the Boeing Co. and related firms adding 300 new employees in September and the
gaming industry, with the Stillaguamish Tribe hiring 200 people for its first
casino and the Tulalip Tribes hiring 150 people for the opening of its second
casino. Also, a return of the school year added 500 jobs in the county.
In retail, local stores dropped 300 jobs in September, but Alderwood's
expansion is expected to turn those numbers around. And in construction, the
slowing season accounted for 300 lost jobs in September.
The labor force
in Snohomish County was estimated at 347,000 people in September, with 328,900
employed and 18,100 looking for work.
Specialists in our
Employment Assistance Program are ready to assist you in preparing for the job
market. An Employment Assistance Counselor can help you establish career goals
and objectives, give you training and education direction and information,
assist you in developing and refining resumes and interviewing skills, and
direct you to job leads and resources. Call [(425) 304-3367 or
1-888-463-6697,] for assistance.
Working closely with our Employment
Assistance Program is our Transition Assistance Office. This program prepares
separating/retiring servicemembers and their family members to meet the
challenges of transitioning from a military to a civilian lifestyle. It helps
you evaluate employment and lifestyle options by offering individual counseling,
workshops to build job search skills, computer assisted programs, and referrals
to other service providers. Call [(425) 304-3367 or 1-888-463-6697,] for
assistance.
Everett Job Service Center
Location..................... : 840 N. Broadway
Mailing
address.............. : P.O. Box 870
.............................
: Everett, WA 98425
Telephone....................
: (425) 339-4921/4954
Lynnwood Job Service Center
Location..................... : 6606 196th St.
Mailing
address.............. : P.O. Box
6606
............................. : Lynnwood,
WA 98046
Telephone.................... : (425)
775-0511
North Seattle Job Service Center Location.....................
: 12550 Aurora Ave. N. Mailing address..............
: P.O. Box 33820
.............................
: Seattle, WA 98133
Telephone....................
: (206) 545-7031
JOB LINES (recorded announcements)
City of
Everett............ : (425)259-8768
City of Seattle............
: (206)684-7999
Gov't Fed Job Info Ctr(OPM)
: (206)220-6400