Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Warner Robins’ unemployment rate spiked in April, breaking all previous all-time highs.

Due to the effects of COVID-19, all MSA’s throughout the state saw a dramatic incline in initial claims along with every other major sector.

 “Although we are seeing all-time high unemployment rates across a majority of the state, we are continuing to work with employers on effective strategies to get Georgians back to work in both a safe and economically efficient way,” said Butler.

In Warner Robins, the unemployment rate increased 6 percentage points in April, reaching 10.2 percent. A year ago, the rate was 3.2 percent. 

The number of unemployment claims went up by 296 percent in April, which directly correlated with the number of temporary and potentially permanent lay-offs associated with COVID-19. When compared to last April, claims were up by about 5,229 percent. 

Warner Robins ended April with 69,800 jobs. That number decreased by 7,700 from March to April and was down by 7,400 when compared to this time last year. 

The labor force decreased in April by 6,955 and ended the month with 80,004. That number is down 5,575 when compared to April of 2019.

Warner Robins finished the month with 71,855 employed residents.  That number decreased by 11,460 over the month and is down by 10,991 when compared to the same time a year ago.