Georgia Mountains Region sees positive growth of labor force in May

The Georgia Mountains region sees increases in the labor force during the month of May.

That’s according to Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. He says the region added to its workforce and number of employed residents across the 12-county region, that includes Stephens County.

“In May, we saw much needed growth in our labor force in many local areas,” Butler said. “We also saw more Georgians become employed. Overall, we head into the summer with a good jobs report.”

The May unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percentage points, coming in at 2.9 percent. It was 3.1 percent one year ago. The rate declined across all 12 regions.

Nationally, the rate stayed constant at 3.6 percent; whereas, Georgia’s rate maintained at 3.8 percent.

The labor force increased in May by 2,595 to reach 350,652 total members. This number has climbed by 3,348 over the past 12 months.

The Georgia Mountains Region added 1,565 employed residents in May, pushing its total to 340,350.

Butler noted that initial claims for unemployment went down by about 12 percent in May; however, unemployment claims are up by about 11 percent when compared to May.

The Georgia Mountains Region includes Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties.

For additional information about local rates, career opportunities, Employ Georgia and other GDOL services visit dol.georgia.gov.