News release, Dec. 28, 2007G

Georgia

Department of Labor

NEWS RELEASE

SUITE 642



(404) 232-3685

148 INTERNATIONAL BOULEVARD, N.E.



ATLANTA, GA 30303-1751



FAX (404) 657-9996

Communications@dol.state.ga.us

Michael Thurmond
Commissioner

Sam Hall
Director of Communications

Dec. 28, 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Metro Columbus' unemployment rate decreases in November

ATLANTA The Georgia Department of Labor reported today that the unemployment rate in the metro Columbus area declined to 4.8 percent in November, down three-tenths of one percent from 5.1 percent in October.

Meanwhile, the state's unemployment rate declined to 4.2 percent in November, down one-half of one percent from 4.7 percent in October and two-tenths of one percent from 4.4 percent in November of 2006. The current state rate is three-tenths of one percent lower than the U.S. unadjusted rate of 4.5 percent.

The state's rate decreased in November because the number of people unemployed declined by 21,675, due, in part, to temporary holiday hiring in the retail trade industry.

From October to November, preliminary data show Georgia added 12,600 payroll jobs. In metro Columbus, the number of jobs was up 400, or three-tenths of one percent, from 123,300 to 123,700.

Georgia labor market data are not seasonally adjusted and are available at www.dol.state.ga.us.

NEWS MEDIA NEEDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 232-3685. TABLE AND GRAPHS REFLECTING LABOR MARKET DATA ARE AVAILABLE AT http://www.dol.state.ga.us/pr/current_data.htm

CY-07-464