First-time UI claim in Ga. down 13.3%

ATLANTA - First-time claims for unemployment insurance (UI) were down 13.3 percent in Georgia last month compared to March 2012. Meanwhile, job creation in the state was up by 1.9 percent compared to a year ago.

The state Labor Department reports that Macon led the state in the decrease in unemployment insurance claims, showing a 27.7 percent reduction. Athens was right behind at 23.5 percent, while they were down in Atlanta by 16.5 percent.

Gainesville, meanwhile, was one of three metropolitan areas in Georgia where the number was up (they increased by 4.9 percent). The biggest increase was in Hinesville (43.4. percent).


JOB GAINS/LOSSES

As for job creation, state Labor Commissioner Mark Butler says Atlanta led the way with a 2.4 percent increase in new jobs last month, compared to March a year ago. Athens was next at 1.4 percent, following by Gainesville, 0.8 percent.

Warner Robins, Dalton and Columbus were the only metropolitan areas in the state showing a loss of jobs in March compared to March 2012.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/4/260717