Atlanta

Georgia unemployment rate hits record low, uptick in job growth across several industries

ATLANTA — The unemployment rate dropped to a record low 3% in May in the Peach State, according to data released Wednesday by the Georgia Department of Labor.

The report showed that the number of jobs climbed to an all-time high of 4,782,400 jobs from April to May, with an increase of 244,100 over the year.

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Georgia had the second-lowest unemployment rate in April at 3.1%.

“As the state continues to experience a very tight labor market, as evidenced by our low unemployment rate, our focus has been on encouraging more individuals to re-enter the workforce,” said Labor Commissioner Mark Butler.

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Accommodation and food services accounted for May’s job gains, adding 5,400 jobs. Both entertainment and recreation, as well as education services added 3,100 jobs each.

Several industries grew with trade and transportation jobs at 1,012,000. This also includes the transportation and warehouse industry at 271,800 jobs and the finance industry with 268,000 jobs.

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There are currently over 227,000 jobs on the Georgia Department of Labor’s Employ Georgia website, with over 310,000 jobs still looking to be filled.

Initial claims fell 4% from April to May. Over the year, initial claims dropped 75% to 91,494.

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