Peach Tree Times

The weekly unemployment rate in Georgia fell to a two-year low recently, as Atlanta saw a 2.4% decrease in October. 

According to a release from the office of Gov. Brian Kemp, this marks the 18th straight month Georgia’s unemployment rate has fallen. In October, it reached a historic low with rates at 3.1% throughout the state. 

"Additionally, Georgia marked the addition of more than 200,000 jobs over the last year, and the number of unemployed Georgians was reported at the lowest level since June 2001 (158,107)," the release said

A Nov. 25 report by The Atlanta Journal Constitution said that while the unemployment rate only includes those actively searching for work, the decrease came as the pool of job seekers increased across the state.

"We are continuing to see all-time low unemployment rates across the state while also seeing job growth,” Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler told The Atlanta Journal Constitution. 

In late June, Georgia announced it would be ending its participation in the federal unemployment benefits put in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"After 66 weeks of benefits during the pandemic and the release of over $22.5 billion, we look forward to refocusing our organization on reemployment and helping claimants find a career path that will provide the stability and support necessary to provide for their families," Butler told WJCL 22 in June.

According to The Atlanta Journal Constitution, in November, Georgia was just 61,000 jobs short of the level reported in February 2020. With new jobs created consistently and one of the strongest October’s on record, the report states Georgia's economy is moving steadily toward a full recovery.