Unemployment up to 9.3 Percent in Washington

The unemployment rate in Washington edged up to 9.3 percent, with 313,000 people out of work and looking for jobs. Although much higher than the 5.5 percent rate this time last year, Washington still remains below the national average of 9.8 percent. The job market continues to lag behind economic recovery, and state economic analysts expect the unemployment rate to peak at 9.8 percent in March or April of next year.