State's Unemployment Rate Rises as Does Number of Jobs

The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate showed a slight increase from April to May. 

The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday, June 20, that the rate increased to 8.3 percent, one-tenth of a percentage point from 8.2 percent in April. The rate in May 2012 was 9.1 percent. 

“The rate increased primarily because more jobseekers entered the labor force looking for work,” State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said in a news release. “And, there was a slight increase in layoffs, many of which were temporary." 

While the unemployment rate increased, so did the number of jobs, by 15,800, or .4 percent, the release said. Most of those jobs were added in leisure and hospitality, with 5,200 additions, education and health services with 3,100 and construction with 2,500 new jobs. 

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