PORT ANGELES — Unemployment held steady at 9.5 percent in Clallam County and 8.6 percent in Jefferson County last month, the state Employment Security Department reported on Wednesday.
The percentage remained the same in August as it was in July, both in both North Olympic Peninsula counties and statewide.
State unemployment remained at 8.9 percent.
The national jobless rate rose from 9.5 to 9.6 percent last month.
While the unemployment rate didn’t change, the number of people in the Peninsula’s work force grew by 770, the state figures show.
Clallam County’s work force grew from 29,860 to 30,400 in August — an increase of 540 — and Jefferson County’s rose from 12,960 to 13,190.
Private sector growth
Growth in the private sector countered a loss in government jobs on the Peninsula and across the state, said Elizabeth Scott, regional economist for the Employment Security Department.
Clallam County gained 90 private-sector jobs, mainly in trade, transportation and utilities, while losing 160 job in the public sector.
“We saw big decreases in government jobs across the board,” Scott said.
Jefferson County gained 40 private-sector jobs and lost 80 government jobs in August.
One bright spot was goods producing, which gained 20 jobs in Jefferson County.
“We’re also seeing movement in information and financial activities after months and months of declines,” Scott said.
“For both Clallam and Jefferson counties, retail is up, but across state it was down.”
Despite the good signs, the construction and home building industries continue to sag, Scott said.
There were 2,870 job seekers looking for work in Clallam County in August.
Jefferson County had 1,140 unemployed out of a 13,190-member work force.
Unemployment rates do not account for the people who have stopped looking for work.
First-time jobless claims fell from 584 to 498 in Clallam County last month. Jefferson County’s initial unemployment claims was basically steady, down three from 179 to 176, in August.
San Juan County had the lowest unemployment (5.2 percent) in the state, and Clark County (13.9 percent) had the highest.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
