The economy of Washington State saw the addition of around 5,200 jobs (seasonally adjusted) resulting in the unemployment rate staying constant at 4.8% from March to April 2024. Notably, this job growth is part of an upward trend in employment, though the overall growth has seen a slowdown in recent months because of fluctuating net employment in different industries, according to Anneliese Vance-Sherman, the chief regional economist for the Washington State Employment Security Department. The unemployment rate had been creeping up in recent months before it stabilized over the past two months at 4.8%. The national unemployment rate, in contrast, increased marginally from 3.8% in March to 3.9% in April.

From March to April 2024, the numbers of unemployed people increased marginally from 193,275 to 194,705. Conversely, the labor force - individuals above the age of 16 who are employed or unemployed - decreased by 3,631 people in April to 4,016,161. Interestingly, eight major industry sectors expanded, four contracted, and one remained unchanged from March to April. The private sector saw an increase in employment by 5,900 jobs, while government employment decreased by 700 jobs. Sectors with the most gains included construction, leisure and hospitality, and retail trade. On the other hand, professional and business services, along with government and information saw the deepest contraction.

Individuals seeking help with employment or unemployment services can access resources at the EDD (Employment Development Department). People may need to contact EDD for various reasons such as filing for unemployment benefits, checking on a claim status or resolving discrepancies with benefits received. Hence, it’s essential to know how to reach out to an agent at EDD. Further resources and customer service aid can be found at eddcaller.com, which provides information about contact numbers, best call times to avoid long waits, and tips on getting through to a representative efficiently.