Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Middle Georgia’s unemployment rate increased in December.

“In December, key indicators varied in the different regions and counties,” said Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler. “Although this month’s numbers fluctuated more than usual, a majority of the areas saw positive job growth that continues to be indicative of the resilience that Georgia has to offer during this economic rebound.”

In Central Savannah River, the unemployment rate increased by 1 percentage point, bringing the rate to 5.4 percent. A year ago, the rate was 3.3 percent.

 In Middle Georgia, the unemployment rate increased by 0.3 percentage points, bringing the rate to 5.6 percent. A year ago, the rate was 3 percent.

The labor force decreased in December by 1,758. The December total was 218,499. That number is down by 473 from the total from December 2019.

 Middle Georgia ended December with 206,313 employed residents.  The number decreased by 2,236 in December and was down 6,027 as compared to last year.

 Initial claims for unemployment increased by 23 percent in December. When compared to last December, claims were up by about 403 percent.

The GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 3,868 active job postings in Middle Georgia for December.

 Visit gdol.ga.gov to learn more about career opportunities, Employ Georgia, and other GDOL services for job seekers and employers.  Don’t forget to connect with us on social media.

 DATA FOR THE METRO AREAS ARE ATTACHED. TABLES AND GRAPHS REFLECTING LABOR MARKET DATA ARE AVAILABLE AT: http://dol.georgia.gov/current-labor-force-data-and-graphs

 NEWS MEDIA NEEDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CAN CALL (404) 232-3685.

 THERE WILL BE NO AUDIO RECORDINGS THIS MONTH.