Numbers released yesterday by the Georgia Department of Labor show that unemployment is up in the Northwest Georgia region.

• The unemployment rate was up six-tenths to 3.9 percent over-the-month, the rate was 3.3 percent one year ago.
• The labor force was up 330 over-the-month and up 13,514 over-the-year, to 448,795, an all-time high.
• The number of employed was down 2,169 over-the-month and up 10,687 over-the-year, to 431,499.
• Initial claims were up 78 over-the-month and down 170 over-the-year, to 1,757.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said, “Every summer, our students and seasonal workers inject our workforce with a fresh wave of talent and energy. Although this may lead to a temporary rise in unemployment, their contributions are the driving force behind our businesses’ success and the engine propelling our economy forward. From startups to major corporations, Georgia’s on the right track toward creating more jobs and building a stronger, more prosperous future for all hardworking Georgians.”

For more information on jobs and current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer to view a comprehensive report.