The number of layoffs in Georgia last month apparently dropped from the levels of August, state officials said.

The state Labor Department reported that 34,293 workers filed first-time claims for unemployment benefits in September, down 3.4 percent from the month before. Claims were down more significantly – 13.3 percent – from September of last year, officials said.

Among the sectors improving were manufacturing, construction, retail trade and educational services.

Claims numbers for September do not include any federal employees filing because of the shutdown, since the shutdown that ended Thursday did not start until October 1.

In metro Atlanta, claims were down 4.8 percent from August to September. Claims in Atlanta were down 9.9 percent from the year before.

Because of the federal shutdown, state officials were unable Thursday to provide the regular monthly data on job growth or the state’s unemployment rate. Those data are calculated by state and federal officials together.

No date has yet been set for releasing those reports, said Sam Hall, spokesman for the state Labor Department.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Hire Heroes USA gives free one-on-one career coaching to veterans and service members leaving the military. (Courtesy of Hire Heroes USA)

Credit: spec

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com