Oregon Public Broadcasting

Washington's unemployment rate saw a slight uptick in October to 9.3 percent.

That's according to David Wallace at the state Employment Security Department who spoke to reporters on a conference call.

David Wallace: "Job losses are continuing but you should be able to note that they are moderating. Also, one other sort of bright spot is that our unemployment rate is significantly lower than that of the nation. We're at 9.3 almost a whole percentage point below than that of the nation, which is 10.2."

Washington had 120,000 fewer jobs last month than in October 2008.

That's a 4.1 percent decrease.

Leisure and hospitality sectors saw the largest decline this October. Other industries hit hard last month were manufacturing, retail trade and aerospace manufacturing.