Jobless in Georgia

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The state Department of Labor reported last week metro Atlanta’s jobless rate reached a record high of 10.8 percent in January. Statewide, the January figure was 10.4 percent. And while new hiring offered a glimmer of hope, experts predict the state’s jobless rate could pass 11 percent before it improves.

Here’s a snapshot of Georgia’s active workforce:

LOOKING AHEAD

Of concern: The worst of the job cuts by the public sector were delayed by federal stimulus dollars. Those layoffs seem to be coming this year.

Reason for hope: Much of the private sector seems to have stabilized. Meanwhile, large portions of the $787 billion in federal stimulus spending are in the pipeline for projects in the state, including energy efficiency and work on military bases.

What’s next: The state’s jobless rate for February is slated for release Thursday. That same day, new national jobless claims are announced. That number is the closest thing to a real-time barometer on the job market. Its latest readings have been dismal. Which is still a lot better than it was a year ago.