Washington in March: More jobs, more unemployed

The Employment Security Department sent out March job numbers today: The month saw both an uptick in jobs and unemployment.

After 13 consecutive months of job losses, ESD says we’ve had job growth in two of the last three months. March’s growth was 1,600 jobs.

So, how are there more jobs, 6,000 more people in the labor force and more unemployment claims? Dave Wallace, an economist with ESD, said it’s likely that some people had been searching for jobs, grew discouraged and stopped looking but are now hunting again. (The unemployment figure includes only those who are looking for work.)

March unemployment is at 9.5 percent — up from February’s adjusted rate of 9.4 percent. 

To see the full report, go here. Tolook for work, go here.     

Tags: unemployment