Georgia Department of Labor
Suite 642 148 International Boulevard N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1751 (404)656-3032
January 28, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOUTH GEORGIA'S JOBLESS RATE DROPS TO 4.0 PERCENT IN DECEMBER
ATLANTA -- State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that the unemployment rate in the South Georgia region declined to 4.0 percent in December, down from 5.5 percent in November. The area's jobless rate was 4.4 percent in December 1997.
The South Georgia region and most other areas of the state had declining unemployment rates during the month, with the decreases due mainly to seasonal factors, as retailers hired some part-time and temporary workers during the holiday shopping season.
"South Georgia continues to have an unemployment rate in the four percent range," Thurmond said. "While we were pleased with the decline in the rate for December, we know that some employers have jobs that are unfilled, because of a shortage of workers with the skills and training to meet their specific needs. My goal is to develop a work force with the skills to meet the job demands of employers throughout Georgia."
Employers in the South Georgia region added 700 new workers during the month, pushing the area's employment to 104,800, as overall unemployment declined by more than 1,700 to 4,350.
Georgia's unemployment rate declined to 3.6 percent in December, down from 3.8 percent in November. The state's jobless rate was also 3.8 percent in December 1997.
Labor market data and graphics are now available on the Georgia Department of Labor's home page at www.dol.state.ga.us
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING MORE INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 656-3032.
E-mail: communications@dol.state.ga.us.
FY-99-238
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