The Majority of Georgia’s Regional Commissions See Slight Uptick in Unemployment

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that most of Georgia’s Regional Commissions reported a rise in June unemployment rates, except for the Atlanta and Southwest Georgia Regional Commissions, which reported unchanged unemployment rates.

 “The bedrock of a thriving economy lies in maintaining low unemployment, but equally essential is striking the right balance between job growth and a capable workforce that can meet the evolving needs of Georgia’s industries,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “This well-balanced approach ensures businesses of all sizes have the talent they need to grow and succeed.”

The labor force rose in Atlanta, Central Savannah, Georgia Mountains, Middle Georgia, Northeast Georgia, Northwest Georgia, and the Three Rivers Regional Commissions.

Employment was up in the Atlanta, Central Savannah River, Georgia Mountains, Middle Georgia, Northeast Georgia, Northwest Georgia, and Three Rivers Regional Commissions.

In June, claims were down in Coastal Georgia, Heart of Georgia, Middle Georgia, Northwest Georgia, River Valley, Southern Georgia, and the Southwest Georgia Regional Commissions.

 Northwest Georgia Regional Commission – Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield Counties.

    The unemployment rate was up one-tenth to 3.4 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.3 percent one year ago.

    The labor force was up 1,214 over-the-month and up 5,679 over-the-year, to 434,862.

    The number of employed was up 863 over-the-month and up 5,317 over-the-year, to 420,274.

    Initial claims were down 337 (-15%) over-the-month and down 1,046 (-35%) over-the-year, to 1,927.

Three Rivers Regional Commission – Butts, Carroll, Coweta, Heard, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, Troup, and Upson Counties.

    The unemployment rate was up one-tenth to 3.5 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.3 percent one year ago.

    The labor force was up 1,041 over-the-month and up 2,978 over-the-year, to 259,646.

    The number of employed was up 786 over-the-month and up 2,539 over-the-year, to 250,681.

    Initial claims were up 245 (21%) over-the-month and down 282 (-17%) over-the-year, to 1,401.