GAINESVILLE - First-time unemployment insurance claims in March were down more than 20 percent compared to February. Ten of the 14 metro areas registeredd a double-digit decline in claims. Statewide, they rose 5.1 percent.
State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said the increases were mostly in service-related industries.
Around the state, initial claims were up from 30,477 filed in March 2005 for an over-the-year increase of 3.0 percent. Initial claims are considered to be a leading economic indicator, because they measure newly laid-off workers.
The 14 metro areas of the state and the changes in their initial claims from
February to March are as follows:
- Albany, up 90, or 16.5 percent, from 546 to 636.
- Athens, up 52, or 10.6 percent, from 491 to 543.
- Atlanta, down 931, or 6.5 percent, from 14,339 to 13,408.
- Augusta, up 178, or 19.5 percent, from 913 to 1,091.
- Brunswick, down 11, or 4.4 percent, from 252 to 241.
- Columbus, up 134, or 20.2 percent, from 665 to 799.
- Dalton, up 74, or 8.0 percent, from 929 to 1,003.
- Gainesville, down 107, or 20.3 percent, from 526 to 419.
- Hinesville, up 42, or 47.2 percent, from 89 to 131.
- Macon, up 297, or 32.4 percent, from 916 to 1,213.
- Rome, up 104, or 24 percent, from 434 to 538.
- Savannah, up 119, or 21.1 percent, from 565 to 684.
- Valdosta, down 39, or 11.2 percent, from 348 to 309.
- Warner Robins, down 32, or 9.3 percent, from 344 to 312.
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May 18th, 2024
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