News releases

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.

County unemployment rates and employment data for November 2025 are now available on the Employment Security Department website. Visit the labor force page to view historic and current data on the unemployment rate.

Washington’s economy decreased by an estimated 1,500 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in November 2025, and the monthly unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.6%.

County unemployment rates and employment data for September 2025 are now available on the Employment Security Department website. Visit the labor force page to view historic and current data on the unemployment rate.

Washington’s economy decreased by an estimated 14,500 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in September 2025, and the monthly unemployment rate remained at 4.5%.

WorkSource Rainier in Seattle will temporarily close for remodeling on Dec. 4. It’s scheduled to reopen on Dec. 22.

WorkSource Thurston County is closing its current Tumwater location today as it prepares to move to a new location in Lacey in 2026. The opening date of the new location is still to be determined.

Washington state federal workers and others who have been furloughed or laid off as a result of the federal government shutdown are invited to a free virtual webinar on Nov. 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The Paid Leave premium rate will increase starting Jan. 1, 2026.

The Employment Security Department, as part of a 90-day pilot, is adjusting unemployment benefits call center hours to focus on processing the growing number of claims and get customers paid more quickly.