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 South Georgia's unemployment rate in December 
 
ATLANTA  The Georgia Department of Labor reported today that the unemployment rate in the South Georgia 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. 
 
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-08-031