Ga. unemployment continues tracking down

Capitol Beat News Service

Initial unemployment claims in Georgia fell again last week as the jobless rate declined throughout the state.

Out-of-work Georgians ILOHG ILUVW WLPH XQemployment claims last week, GRZQ IURP WKH SUHYLRXV week, the state Department of Labor reported Thursday.

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate fell in all of Georgia’s Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and regions. Statewide, joblessness in 0D\ GHFOLQHG WR

“These positive indicators are promising for Georgia’s job market,” state Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler said. “I believe we are beginning to stabilize our economy, allowing Georgians to again focus on employment and spending.”

The improving jobs numbers follow several months of highly volatile economic performance statistics. After posting the lowest unemployment rate in Georgia history early this year, the business lockdown resulting from the coronavirus pandemic forced the state’s jobless rate to a record high.

As the economic downturn deepened, the labor department processed more WKDQ PLOOLRQ LQLWLDO XQemployment claims during a 14-week period beginning in mid-March, more than during the last seven years combined. More than 1 million were determined to be valid.

Since mid-March, the most LQLWLDO FODLPV E\ IDU ±

— have come from the accommodation and food services job sector. The health and social assistance sector has acFRXQWHG IRU FODLPV followed closely by retail trade with 308,934 claims.