Jobless Rate Over 10 Percent in Georgia

The state jobless rate ticked up two-tenths percent in July, pushing past the 10 percent mark once again to 10.1 percent. Georgians lost 30,200 jobs during the month.

That's the same rate as one year ago in July. 

State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said in a release that the increase was primarily due to seasonal workers being laid off—with about 80 percent in the education field.

In addition to 24,500 jobs lost in government and education, business services lost 2,200 and construction lost 1,800, according to the Department of Labor.

The Labor Commissioner did see a bright spot in manufacturing, with a gain of 1,400 positions. The Department of Labor reports that this is the first time there has been an increase in manufacturing jobs in July in 18 years. 

“Manufacturing has been a very weak sector, but we’re starting to see some increases in hiring,” said Butler. “We’re getting a lot of inquiries from manufacturers who are looking to expand or relocate here, which is always a good sign,” Butler said in a release.

The number of long-term unemployed was 9.1 percent higher than it was last July, with 251,100 in a prolonged state of joblessness.  The number of first-time claims for unemployment benefits was also up, the Department of Labor reported.