Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that all of Georgia’s Regional Commissions reported a drop in September unemployment rates.
“Georgia reigns as the ultimate destination for business and economic opportunity,” said Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “However, with recent workforce reductions at Geico, Yellow Freight, and other companies throughout the state, we need to be cognizant of the financial pressures creating some instability within our existing business community. In today’s ever-shifting global market, we must remain vigilant and lead with innovation.”
The labor force rose in all areas, except the Coastal Georgia Regional Commission.
Here is the unemployment report for the Southern Georgia Regional Commission, which serves Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, Turner and Ware counties.
The unemployment rate was down five-tenths to 3.5 percent over-the-month, the rate was 2.9 percent one year ago.
The labor force was up 2,026 over-the-month and up 3,273 over-the-year, to 183,225.
The number of employed was up 2,815 over-the-month and up 2,095 over-the-year, to 176,786.
Initial claims were up 224 (31%) over-the-month and up 298 (46%) over-the-year, to 948.