(Media release from the Georgia Department of Labor):
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson announced today that Georgia’s December unemployment rate held steady at 3.4 percent, unchanged for the fourth consecutive month. The unemployment rate remained three-tenths lower than the national unemployment rate.
“Georgia posted incredible numbers in 2023, sporting a blockbuster year with over 5.1 million Georgians employed,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “With existing companies continuing to expand and a stream of new companies calling Georgia home, 2024 appears to be headed for all-time highs again.”
Jobs were down 1,600 (-0.1%) over the month and up by 98,100 (2.0%) over the year to 4,955,400.
The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included Finance and Insurance, 1,400; Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction, 1,200; State Government, 1,100; Local Government, 1,000; and Retail Trade, 700.
Jobs were down in Administrative and Support Services, -3,500; Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing, -1,900; Accommodation and Food Services, -1,800; Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing, -1,100; and Private Educational Services, -500.
The sectors with the most over-the-year job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 29,300; Accommodation and Food Services, 28,600; Local Government, 9,600; State Government, 6,700; and Private Educational Services, 5,600.
Jobs were down in Administrative and Support Services, -11,700; Transportation and Warehousing, -7,000; Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing, -3,200; and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, -1,700.
The labor force was up by 2,864 to 5,363,487, an all-time high, and was up by 129,771 over the past 12 months. The labor force participation held at 61.6 percent for the third consecutive month and is up from 61.0 percent since the beginning of the year.
The number of employed was up by 4,804 to 5,180,974, an all-time high, and was up by 108,719 over the past 12 months. The employment-to-population ratio held at 59.5 percent for the fourth consecutive month and is up from 59.1 percent since the beginning of the year.
Initial claims were up by 2,486 (11%) over the month to 24,802 in December. Initial claims were down by 3,119 (11%) over the year.
For personalized assistance, employers can reach Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) staff at https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail. For more information on unemployment benefits, claimants should call 877.709.8185 or visit their MyUI Claimant Portal. GDOL’s Career Centers also provide in-person unemployment insurance benefit services for customers statewide.
For more information on jobs and current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer to view a comprehensive report.
