WA jobless reflects slower economic growth UNEMPLOYMENT in Western Australia has jumped above five per cent for the first time since February 2010 but the state still has the nation's lowest jobless rate. Last month, 5.2 per cent of people in WA didn't have a job, up from 4.8 per cent in March. It is a substantial jump considering the state's unemployment rate a year ago was 3.7 per cent. However, Western Australia still has the lowest jobless rate in Australia, slightly ahead of NSW at 5.3 per cent. Premier Colin Barnett admitted some of the heat had come out of the WA economy, particularly in the mining sector. "While the WA economy is still growing faster than any other state, the pace is slowing from peak levels and that is reflected in the higher than anticipated increase in the unemployment rate for April," he said. While 2000 jobs were gained, that was not enough to offset the influx of new job seekers in WA, CommSec chief economist Craig James said. Mr James said five per cent appeared to be the "natural" unemployment rate. Treasurer Troy Buswell said the 2000 jobs comprised 500 full-time and 1500 part-time jobs.