The Georgia Department of Labor reported last week  that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 6.2 percent in July, up six-tenths of one percent from 5.6 percent in June. The July rate was the highest recorded since March of 1993.

The current adjusted state rate, which is five-tenths of one percent higher than the U.S. seasonally-adjusted rate of 5.7 percent, continued to top the national rate for the sixth straight month. At present, 304,536 unemployed Georgians are now looking for work.

At the same time, initial unemployment insurance claims, which are considered to be a leading economic indicator, rose by 30 percent in Georgia in July to 59,165.

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said, “From Blue Ridge to Atlanta, from Macon to Valdosta, thousands of unemployed Georgians are pouring into our career centers. The Georgia Department of Labor is committed to doing everything possible to assist them during these difficult economic times. We ask for their patience and cooperation as we work together to overcome these unprecedented challenges."

Preliminary unadjusted data show Georgia lost 46,600 payroll jobs from June to July, a decrease of 1.1 percent. The job losses came across-the-board in manufacturing, construction, trade, and services.