Unemployment Still on the Rise

The Georgia Department of Labor announced today that Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 8.8 percent in July. The rate was three-tenths of a percentage point higher than the revised 8.5 percent in June, but three-tenths of a percentage point lower than 9.1 percent in July a year ago.

State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler had this positive take on the issue…

” Well we saw the rate go up again this month, but its not all bad news. If you take a look at the numbers behind the rate there’s some very encouraging things going on in the Georgia economy, the most encouraging thing is that we continue to see the private sector gain jobs. Our loss leader again this month is in Government jobs.”

Commissioner Butler also said “However, the vast majority of the layoffs were temporary, and the school employees are beginning to return to work.” The Department of Labor said the unemployment rates for Rabun County will be posted late next week.