The preliminary November rate of 10.1 percent reported last month has been revised downward by one-tenth of a percentage point. The rate was 10.3 percent in December 2009. This is the 39th consecutive month Georgia has exceeded the national unemployment rate, which is currently 9.4 percent.
In December, the number of payroll jobs decreased 21,800, or six-tenths of a percentage point, to 3,827,200 from 3,849,000 in November. Most of the decreases came in construction, leisure and hospitality, the public schools, professional and business services, and wholesale trade. And, the number of jobs remains 7,800, or two-tenths of a percentage point, fewer than in December 2009, when there were 3,835,000 payroll jobs.
Metro Gainesville lost 900 jobs, a 1.3 percent reduction, during the period.
"The increase in unemployment and job loss in December is continued evidence that Georgia's job market is fragile," Butler said. "Sustained improvement will come only when employers begin adding jobs and increase hiring. In the coming months, we will work closely with Georgia's employers, private and public sector economic developers, and the General Assembly to spur existing business expansion and to attract new industry to our state."
Metro Gainesville lost 900 jobs, a 1.3 percent reduction, between Dec. 2009 and Dec. 2010.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/1/235447