The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the preliminary unemployment rate in the Northwest Georgia region declined to 8.4 percent in November, down three-tenths of a percentage point from 8.7 percent in October. The rate was 9.4 percent in November 2011.
The rate declined because of fewer new layoffs, represented by first-time claims for unemployment insurance benefits. There were 121 fewer layoffs in construction, trade, transportation and warehousing, administrative and support services, educational services, health care and social assistance, and accommodations and food services.
Metro Athens had the lowest area jobless rate at 6.2 percent, while metro Dalton had the highest at 11 percent.
The preliminary unemployment rate in metro Dalton declined to 11 percent, down three-tenths of a percentage point from 11.3 percent in October. The rate was 12.1 percent in November 2011.
The rate declined because of fewer new layoffs, represented by first-time claims for unemployment insurance benefits. There were 108 fewer new claims for unemployment benefits in construction, manufacturing, trade, finance and insurance, and administrative and support services.
Meanwhile, Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 8.5 percent in November, down two-tenths of a percentage point from 8.7 percent in October. The rate was 9.5 percent in November a year ago.
Statewide, there were 3,984,000 jobs in November, up 9,600, or two-tenths of a percentage point, from 3,974,400 in October. Over the year, Georgia gained 61,900 jobs, or 1.6 percent, from 3,922,100 in November 2011.
Local area unemployment data are not seasonally adjusted. Georgia labor market data are available at www.dol.state.ga.us.
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