The unemployment rate in the Northwest Georgia region rose to 5.1 percent in July.
The rate is up one-tenth of a percentage point from 5 percent in June. In July 2016, the rate was 5.9 percent.
The rate rose in July as unemployment increased by 503 to 21,361 and unemployment claims were up by 968, or 53.2 percent, to 2,787. Claims were up in manufacturing and administrative and support services. Over the year, claims were down by 1,603, or 36.5 percent, from 4,390 in July 2016.
“While the Northwest Georgia rate rose slightly, more people went back to work,” said State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler.
The total number of employed residents in the region rose by 1,987 to 397,830 from June to July.
“There were 11,447 more Northwest Georgia area residents employed than in July 2016,” said Comm. Butler. “I’m pleased to see we have more people in the Northwest Georgia region employed and contributing to Georgia’s continued environment of economic opportunity.”
Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com, showed 3,846 new active job postings in the Northwest Georgia area for July.