Wednesday, February 7, 2001
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Wednesday, February 7, 2001 |
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County's employment rate is fifth lowest in the state
State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that the unemployment rate in the metro Atlanta area rose slightly to 2.4 percent in December, up from 2.3 percent in November. The area's rate was up because some workers who had been employed in manufacturing, trade, and services were laid off. The area's jobless rate was 2.6 percent in December 1999. Georgia's statewide unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.0 percent from November to December, but was down from 3.3 percent in December 1999. "The rise in interest rates, which concluded in mid-1999, clearly had a negative impact on job growth in Georgia," said Thurmond. "While the rate of job growth has slowed dramatically, unemployment continues to remain low." In metro Atlanta, the number of jobs increased to 2,256,400, up by 6,800 from November, and were up from 2,222,900 in December 1999, a gain of 33,500 jobs or an increase of 1.5 percent. Labor market data, job openings listed with the labor department, and job search information are now available on the department's Web site at www.dol.state.ga.us |