Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson announced today that all of Georgia’s Regional Commissions reported a rise in May unemployment rates.

“We are witnessing a shift within Georgia’s retail sector and several major industries as companies change the way they do business,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “Alongside these industry changes, there is a growing influx of students and recent college graduates entering the job market, pursuing both temporary and full-time employment. This seasonal increase in workforce participation significantly impacts summertime unemployment rates across communities statewide.”

Please see a synopsis of each regional commission below:

Northwest Georgia

    The unemployment rate was up five-tenths to 3.3 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.1 percent one year ago.

    The labor force was up 2,126 over-the-month and up 12,958 over-the-year, to 448,404, an all-time high.

    The number of employed was down 116 over-the-month and up 11,766 over-the-year, to 433,575, an all-time high.

    Initial claims were down 1,127 (-40%) over-the-month and down 585 (-26%) over-the-year, to 1,679.

Three Rivers

    The unemployment rate was up six-tenths to 3.3 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.2 percent one year ago.

    The labor force was up 1,824 over-the-month and up 5,852 over-the-year, to 265,089, an all-time high.

    The number of employed was up 93 over-the-month and up 5,393 over-the-year, to 256,284.

    Initial claims were down 111 (-11%) over-the-month and down 295 (-26%) over-the-year, to 861.