Georgia Department of Labor
Suite 642 148 International Boulevard N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1751 (404)656-3032

March 12, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE U.I. RECIPIENTS DECLINE BY 29,000 IN FEBRUARY

ATLANTA -- State Labor Commissioner Marti Fullerton said today the number of people in Georgia drawing unemployment insurance benefits decreased by about 29,000 from January to February.

Most of the decline in jobless claims came among workers in construction, trade and service-related industries.

In February, 49,257 people drew $20,892,183 in jobless benefits, down from 78,406 who drew $25,662,373 in January. In February 1997, 55,844 drew $23,931,257.The maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit is $224.

The number of people filing claims for unemployment insurance benefits in the state's major metropolitan areas from January to February is as follows:

-- Albany, claims down by 60 from 749 to 689.

-- Athens, claims down by 48 from 575 to 527.

-- Atlanta, claims down by 844 from 13,601 to 12,757.

-- Augusta, claims down by 158 from 1,499 to 1,341.

-- Columbus, claims down by 105 from 868 to 763.

-- Macon, claims up by 210 from 1,456 to 1,666.

-- Savannah, claims down by 78 from 1,053 to 975.

( DATA ALSO AVAILABLE BY COUNTY )

NEWS MEDIA NEEDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SHOULD CALL THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS AT (404) 656-3032
E-mail: communications@dol.state.ga.us.

FY-98-444

An Equal Opportunity Employer