Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Southern Georgia saw an over the year increase for its labor force in December.

“In December, key indicators varied in the different regions and counties,” said Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler. “Although this month’s numbers fluctuated more than usual, a majority of the areas saw positive job growth that continues to be indicative of the resilience that Georgia has to offer during this economic rebound.”

 In Southern Georgia, the unemployment rate decreased by 0.4 percentage points, bringing the rate to 5.1 percent. A year ago, the rate was 3.4 percent.

The labor force decreased in December by 3,597. The December total was 180,054. That number is up by 2,030 from the total from December 2019.

Southern Georgia ended December with 170,912 employed residents.  The number decreased by 4,155 in December and was down 1,108 as compared to last year.

Initial claims for unemployment increased by 33 percent in December. When compared to last December, claims were up by about 108 percent.

The GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 1,710 active job postings in Southern Georgia for December.

Visit gdol.ga.gov to learn more about career opportunities, Employ Georgia, and other GDOL services for job seekers and employers.  Don’t forget to connect with us on social media.

DATA FOR THE METRO AREAS ARE ATTACHED. TABLES AND GRAPHS REFLECTING LABOR MARKET DATA ARE AVAILABLE AT: http://dol.georgia.gov/current-labor-force-data-and-graphs

NEWS MEDIA NEEDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CAN CALL (404) 232-3685.

THERE WILL BE NO AUDIO RECORDINGS THIS MONTH.