Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Middle Georgia’s unemployment rate decreased in January.

“In January we saw the rate drop across all regions and counties,” said Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler. “Starting the year off strong with such a positive indicator is promising, especially as we learn to adapt to this everchanging workforce due to COVID.” 

In Middle Georgia, the unemployment rate decreased by 0.5 percentage points, bringing the rate to 5.3 percent. A year ago, the rate was 3.8 percent.

Middle Georgia ended January with 208,735 employed residents.  The number increased by 240 in January but was down 6,190 as compared to last year.

The labor force decreased in January by 1,097. The January total was 220,324. That number is down by 3,052 from the total from January 2020.

Initial claims for unemployment increased by 19 percent in January. When compared to last January, claims were up by about 148 percent.

The GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 4,603 active job postings in Middle Georgia for January.

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.