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Posted on Jan. 21, 2026
Washington’s economy increased by an estimated 9,000 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in December 2025, and the monthly unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.7% from 4.6% in November.
Posted on Jan. 16, 2026
Employment Security Department’s Commissioner Cami Feek, Chief of Staff Dan Zeitlin and Government Relations Director Josh Dye spoke about the agency’s Paid Family & Medical Leave program and answered questions during a state Senate Labor & Commerce Committee hearing on Jan. 16.
Learn about Paid Family & Medical Leave
In Washington state, the Paid Family & Medical Leave (Paid Leave) program provides eligible workers with the opportunity to take paid time off for various family and personal medical reasons. This includes bonding with a new child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or spend time with a family member preparing for military service overseas. Read more about the paid leave program.
Check out the updated unemployed worker's handbook
This guide to applying for benefits is now available in many languages.