The number of unemployed persons climbed slightly in the last month of 2020, according to numbers released by Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler last week.
The Heart of Georgia’s unemployment rate increased in December, by 0.6 percentage points, bringing the rate to 5.7 percent. A year ago, the rate was 4 percent.
Additionally, the labor force decreased in December by 2,174. The December total was 114,425. That number is down by 548 from the total from December 2019.
“In December, key indicators varied in the different regions and counties,” said Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler. “Although this month’s numbers fluctuated more than usual, a majority of the areas saw positive job growth that continues to be indicative of the resilience that Georgia has to offer during this economic rebound.”
The labor force decreased in December by 2,174. The December total was 114,425. That number is down by 548 from the total from December 2019.
Heart of Georgia ended December with 107,945 employed residents. The number decreased by 2,664 in December and was down 2,417 as compared to last year.
Initial claims for unemployment increased by 44 percent in December. When compared to last December, claims were up by about 69 percent.
The GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 1,252 active job postings in Heart of Georgia for December.
