Georgia jobless rate climbs to 10.3 percent

From news services

Georgia’s unemployment rate rose to 10.3 percent in July, up two-tenths of a percentage point from last month, the state Labor Department reported Thursday.

“Although layoffs are moderating, nearly a half-million Georgians are officially unemployed,” said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. “These jobless workers could comprise a mythical unemployment line that stretches from Dalton to Atlanta, through Macon and down to Valdosta.”

The July jobless rate was up 4.1 percentage points from 6.2 percent in July 2008. Georgia’s jobless rate remained above the national rate of 9.4 percent for the 21st consecutive month, the Labor Department said.

July’s unemployment total was 493,748, an increase of 63.6 percent from July of 2008. Of that number, 163,839, or 33.2 percent, received state unemployment insurance benefits, while approximately 140,000 received federally funded extended benefits.

The number of payroll jobs in July decreased 199,400, or 4.9 percent, from July 2008. The over-the-year losses came in manufacturing, trade, transportation and warehousing, professional and business services, including temporary employment agencies, and construction. Health care and private educational services showed a combined increase of 10,400 jobs, while local and state governmental education added 9,200 more.