NW Ga. reaches all-time high jobless rate in April
Northwest Georgia’s unemployment rate spiked in April, reaching an all-time high, Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday, May 28.
Due to the effects of COVID-19, all regions and counties throughout the state saw a dramatic incline in initial claims along with the unemployment rate.
“Although we are seeing all-time high unemployment rates across a majority of the state, we are continuing to work with employers on effective strategies to get Georgians back to work in both a safe and economically efficient way,” said Butler.
In Northwest Georgia, the unemployment rate increased in April to 13.3%, an increase of 9%age points. A year ago, the rate was 3.1%.
The number of unemployment claims dramatically increased by 378% in April due to COVID-19 lay-offs.
When compared to last April, claims were up by about 3,518%.
The labor force decreased in April by 13,312. The April total was 411,267. That number is down by 6,075 from the total from April 2018.
Northwest Georgia ended April with 356,570 employed residents. The number decreased by 49,872 in April and was down 47,702 as compared to last year.
Employ Georgia, the GDOL’S online job listing service at employgeorgia. com showed 2,651 active job postings in Northwest Georgia for April.
Bell, Tyrell L., 25, of 1315 Swope Drive, Chattanooga, Tenn., arrested on charge of marijuana possession, less than an oz.
Smith, Antonio J., of 3311 Delong Ave., Chattanooga, Tenn., arrested on charge of terroristic threats and acts.
Noffsinger, James Zachariah, 27, of 113 Ralph Lane, Chickamauga, Ga., arrested on charge of driving while license suspended/revoked.
Massey, Justin Lee, 36, of 318 Bonnie Circle, Dayton, Tenn., arrested on charges of driving while license suspended/revoked and fugitive status.
Goins, Edward Jerry, 58, of 716 Walker Ave., Rossville, Ga., arrested on charge of possession of schedule II drugs.
Avans, Kevin Christopher, 39, of 1010 Crestridge Drive, Rossville, Ga., arrested on charge of disorderly conduct.
Brown, Harold H., 53, of 727 East 11th Street, Chattanooga, Tenn., arrested on charge of public drunkenness.
Johnson, Quinton Lee, 34, of 34 Village Drive, Rossville, Ga., arrested on charge of fugitive status.
Stone, Joshua Marcus, 30, of 410 Guess Circle, Chattanooga, Tenn., arrested on charge of driving while license suspended/revoked.
Beaver, James Benjamin, 25, of 45 Edgewood Circle, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., arrested on charge of fugitive status.
Toney, David Lee, 23, of 3427 Jackson Street, Atlanta, Ga., arrested on charges of driving while license suspended/revoked and fugitive status
Letson, William Edward, 33, of 1204 Lakeview Drive, Rossville, Ga., arrested on charges of driving while license suspended/revoked and operating vehicle with no registration.
Forrester, James Eddie, 50, of 4801 Romeiser Drive, Macon, Ga., arrested on charges of leaving the scene of an accident and habitual violator/ offender.
Leamon, Samantha Shea, 23, of 122 Ann Drive, Rossville, Ga., arrested on charge of driving on a suspended license.
Henslee, Savannah Kailie, 29, of 437 Dry Creek Road, Cedartown, Ga., arrested on charge of simple battery.