Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Southern Georgia’s unemployment rate did not change from July to August and tied the all-time low set last month.

"Although we are seeing fewer unemployed individuals now than before the pandemic started, we are also still seeing a decreased total number of people in the workforce when compared to numbers recorded prior to the pandemic,” said Commissioner Mark Butler. “This will continue to cause a hiring crunch until we can attract more people back to the workforce to fill the record number of job openings.”

In Southern Georgia, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3 percent in August. A year ago, the rate was 5.6 percent.

The labor force increased in August by 1,457 to 182,108. That number is up 8,757 over-the-year.

Southern Georgia ended August with 176,646 employed residents.  The number increased by 1,456 in August and was up 12,971 as compared to last year.

Initial claims for unemployment decreased 18 percent in August. When compared to last August, claims were down about 78 percent.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 1,748 active job postings in Southern Georgia for August.

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.

TABLES AND GRAPHS REFLECTING LABOR MARKET DATA ARE AVAILABLE AT: https://dol.georgia.gov/current-labor-force-data-and-graphs

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