No increase in workers in Gainesville

ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Labor reports that the state's
unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.2 percent from October to November. The
state's rate topped the comparable national rate, which stood at 4.8 percent in
November, for the seventh consecutive month. Georgia's jobless rate stood at 4.6
percent in November of 2004.

Initial unemployment insurance claims, which measure newly unemployed workers, were
virtually unchanged from 36,252 in October to 36,042 in November, according to state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. A total of 36,708
initial claims were filed in November of 2004.

Georgia added 19,300 jobs in November, many of those among seasonal workers in
retail trade and service-related industries. During the same period last year,
Georgia added 10,500 jobs, with many of those in trade and services, Thurmond added.

The 14 metro areas of the state and their job changes from September to October
include:

- Albany, up 500, or eight-tenths percent, from 63,600 to 64,100.
- Athens, up 700, or nine-tenths percent, from 78,100 to 78,800.
- Atlanta, up 13,800, or six-tenth percent, from 2,314,300 to 2,328,100.
- Augusta, up 1,000, or five-tenths percent, from 214,100 to 215,100.
- Brunswick, up 300, or seven-tenths percent, from 43,200 to 43,500.
- Columbus, up 400, or three-tenths percent, from 120,900 to 121,300.
- Dalton, up 100, or one-tenth percent, from 76,800 to 76,900.
- Gainesville, unchanged at 69,400.
- Hinesville, up 200, or 1.2 percent, from 17,200 to 17,400.
- Macon, up 400, or four-tenth percent, from 100,800 to 101,200.
- Rome, up 300, or seven-tenths percent, from 42,700 to 43,000.
- Savannah, up 1,100, or seven-tenths percent, from 149,100 to 150,200.
- Valdosta, up 400, or eight-tenths percent, from 52,800 to 53,200.
- Warner Robins, up 100, or two-tenths percent, from 52,900 to 53,000.