Georgia Unemployment Rate Hits 10.1 Percent
Georgia’s unemployment rate jumped to 10.1 percent in June, the highest rate ever recorded in Georgia.
The jobless rate was up five-tenths of a percentage point from 9.6 percent in May.
“Georgia is in the midst of a deepening economic crisis,” said state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond.
Last month, 483,394 unemployed Georgians were looking for work, an increase of 65 percent from June of 2008. Of that number, 160,249, or 33 percent, are receiving state unemployment insurance benefits, while approximately 93,000 are receiving federal extended benefits.
“Georgia leaders should develop a bi-partisan recovery plan that focuses on three critical elements: protecting vulnerable citizens, including children, the elderly, and the sick; preserving our health, safety, and educational institutions; and encouraging economic development investments that promote job creation and future prosperity,” said Thurmond.
The June jobless rate was up 4.0 percentage points from 6.1 percent at this same time last year. Georgias unemployment rate remained above the national rate of 9.5 percent for the 20th consecutive month.
The number of payroll jobs in June decreased 209,500, or 5.1 percent, from June of 2008. The over-the-year losses came in professional and business services, including temporary employment agencies, manufacturing, trade, transportation and warehousing, and in the construction industry.
On a positive note, healthcare and educational services, showed a combined increase of 12,000 jobs.
Copyright 2009 by WSBTV.com.
