North Georgia's unemployment rate rises

ATLANTA --The Georgia Department of Labor announced today that the unemployment rate in the North Georgia area rose to 4.0 percent in June, up from 3.5 percent in May. The area&#39;s rate in June of 2001 was 4.4 percent. <br> <br> <br> The rate went up in June because some workers in textiles, trade, and services were temporarily laid off and employment declined by 367, while the number of jobseekers grew by 456. <br> <br> Meanwhile, the state&#39;s unemployment rate jumped to 5.2 percent in June, up from 4.5 percent in May. The rate in June of 2001 was 4.5 percent. <br> <br> <br> State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said the increase in unemployment is directly tied to overall conditions in the nation&#39;s economy. &#34;I&#39;m concerned that the less-than-robust economic recovery and revelations of corporate scandals continue to impact employment opportunities here in Georgia,&#34; said Thurmond. &#34;However, we are seeing some positive signs, such as the steady decline in initial jobless claims, which is a leading economic indicator.&#34; <br> <br> <br> In June, the number of new jobs in Georgia increased by 6,200, while the number of jobseekers grew by 34,387. Georgia has had job growth for five straight months, and during that time 65,000 new jobs have been created. <br> <br> &#34;We are making every effort to help job seekers find their place in the workforce,&#34; Thurmond continued. &#34;We encourage them to take advantage of Georgia&#39;s various educational and training programs, such as those offered by the Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE). These programs help workers to improve their chances for success in the job market.&#34; <br>

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