Washington unemployment hits 5% as 600 jobs are cut

Five companies in Washington have filed Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notices to lay off nearly 600 workers between early October and early November 2026. The layoffs span the technology, manufacturing, fulfillment, and casino sectors.

Amazon is among the affected employers, accounting for 121 of the reported separations. These cuts involve employees at a Sumner fulfillment center, various offices in Seattle and Bellevue, and one remote worker. Amazon stated that employees who accept internal transfers before their separation dates will not be laid off, and eligible staff will receive information regarding benefits and severance.

The filings coincide with data showing Washington’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 5.0% in July 2026, up from 4.6% in July 2025. Additionally, the U-6 underemployment rate reached a four-quarter average of 9.7% through the second quarter of 2026.