Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Macon recorded an unemployment rate of 3.8 percent in January, up seven-tenths of a percent over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.9 percent. Due to seasonal factors from December to January, data that is not seasonally adjusted typically shows an increase in unemployment – a seasonal trend that happens each year.

“Despite a nationwide pandemic and challenging economic times, continued investments in Georgia’s labor force and thriving business community have kept our economy strong,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “As labor commissioner, it is my No. 1 priority to help more Georgians get back to work and fill the jobs that our businesses need.”

The labor force increased in Macon by 148 and ended the month with 99,921. That number went down by 916 when compared to January of 2022.

Macon finished the month with 96,155 employed residents. That number decreased by 478 over the month and fell by 762 when compared to the same time a year ago.

Macon ended January with 101,600 jobs. That number went down by 1,200 from December to January and increased by 1,800 when compared to this time last year.

The number of unemployment claims went up by 69 percent in Macon in January. When compared to last January, claims were up by about 31 percent.