News release, Jan. 24, 2008

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

Jan. 24, 2008............................................................FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sharp increase in metro Albany's unemployment rate in December

ATLANTA The Georgia Department of Labor reported today that the unemployment rate in the metro Albany area rose to 5.1 percent in December, up one-half of one percent from 4.6 percent in November.

Meanwhile, the state's unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent in December, up four-tenths of one percent from 4.2 percent in November and two-tenths of one percent from 4.4 percent in December of 2006. The current state rate is two-tenths of one percent lower than the U.S. unadjusted rate of 4.8 percent.

The state's rate increased in December because the number of people unemployed rose by 19,630, due mainly to job losses in manufacturing, construction, and some service-related industries, combined with modest job creation.

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, commenting on the sharp rise in unemployment said, "The magnitude of the November to December increase is troubling. This represents the largest statewide increase for that time period in over 30 years."

From November to December, preliminary data show Georgia added 4,100 payroll jobs, primarily among seasonal workers in retail trade. In metro Albany, the number of jobs was down 100, or two-tenths of one percent, from 66,300 to 66,200.

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-08-006