Georgia Mountains Unemployment Rates Rise Slightly in January

All Georgia Regional Commissions recorded a rise in the unemployment rate in January.

Due to seasonal factors from December to January, data that is not seasonally adjusted typically show an increase in unemployment – a seasonal trend that happens each year.

In the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission, which includes Franklin, Hart, and Stephens counties, the unemployment rate was up six-tenths to 3.0 percent over the month.

The rate was 2.9 percent one year ago.

Initial claims for unemployment were up by 273 (26%) over the month and up by 472 (56%) o-t-y, to 1,315.

The labor force was also up by 645 o-t-m and up by 3,575 o-t-y, to 243,417.

The number of employed was down by 639 o-t-m and up by 3,397 o-t-y, to 236,230.

State Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said that despite a nationwide pandemic and challenging economic times, continued investments in Georgia’s labor force and thriving business community have kept the State’s economy strong.