The Georgia Department of Labor announced on May 21 that the state’s labor force and total employment reached all-time highs in April, while the unemployment rate held steady at 3.5 percent. The department reported that Georgia’s labor force grew to 5,461,455 and total employment climbed to a record 5,271,138.
Officials said the state’s unemployment rate is now nearly one percentage point lower than the national average and unchanged from March’s revised figure. One year ago, Georgia’s unemployment rate was slightly lower at 3.3 percent.
“More Georgians are working today than at any point in our state’s history, with record highs in both our labor force and employment,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Georgia’s unemployment rate sits nearly a full point lower than the national average, we’ve added close to 45,000 workers in the last year, and total jobs are approaching 5 million. That’s what it takes to build a Top State for Talent – and Georgia is delivering on it every single day.”
According to data released by the department, employment increased by nearly 8,800 over the month of April while unemployment declined by more than 2,600 individuals compared to March figures. Over the past year, total jobs have grown for four out of six months with notable gains in sectors such as wholesale trade; real estate and rental leasing; health care; accommodation and food services; as well as professional services.
Some sectors experienced job losses over both monthly and yearly periods including transportation; warehousing; administrative support services; construction; information technology; state government; federal government; retail trade; accommodation services.
Initial claims for unemployment benefits rose slightly over the month but were down compared to last year’s numbers.
Employers seeking assistance can contact staff through resources provided on dol.georgia.gov/employeremail or visit local career centers statewide for additional support.
