Employment Security Department announces layoffs

The Washington state Employment Security Department announced the layoff of 222 employees Friday, with more expected layoffs next summer. The department has already reduced its numbers substantially this year. A department spokeswoman told The Seattle Times the layoffs were due to cuts in federal funding, which is the primary source of support for the department.

The departments strategic plan acknowledges the need to secure new funding to offset federal funding cuts. The department has implemented several strategies to decrease its spending in recent years, including a mailing-reduction initiative that saved more than $1 million. However, the department faces a continued decline in federal supportit dropped from almost $211 million in 2004 to $169 million in 2009while the Bureau of Labor Statistics delivers increasingly bleak news about state job creation.