Washington jobless rate falls for first time in three years

Washington’s unemployment rate fell in April for the first time in more than three years, backed by an increase of 5,800 jobs.

The rate went from 9.5 percent in March to 9.2 percent in April. The last time the unemployment rate declined was March 2007, when the rate moved from 4.5 percent to 4.4 percent, a record low in Washington. Since then, the rate has stayed the same or increased for 36 straight months.

“This is further evidence that our economy is starting to turn around and is headed in the right direction,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “The job growth is especially welcome news for job seekers.”

With the April job gains, Washington has added jobs in three of the first four months of 2010, for a net gain of 14,800 jobs so far this year.