The Georgia Department of Labor announced today that Metro Valdosta’s unemployment rate for June was 5.7 percent, up 1 percent from 4.7 percent in May. The rate in June 2015 was 6.5 percent.

The rate rose as the labor force increased by 374 to 63,888, as students and others entered the job market looking for work. The labor force consists of people employed and those who are unemployed but actively looking for jobs. The number of employed workers declined by 270, while the number of unemployed people increased by 644.      

Meanwhile, the number of jobs decreased by 600, or 1.1 percent, to 55,800 in June. Most of the decrease came in state government, including the public schools. Much of the decline is a temporary seasonal loss as schools close for the summer.  

However, over the year, Valdosta gained 1,200 jobs, a 2.2 percent growth rate, up from 54,600 in June 2015. Most of the job gains came in the service-related industries such as trade, transportation and warehousing, along with state government, including the public schools.  

The number of initial claims for unemployment insurance declined by 72, or 20.7 percent, to 276 in June. Most of the decrease came in accommodations and food services. And, over the year, claims were down by 32, or 10.4 percent, from 308 in June 2015.

Metro Gainesville had the lowest area jobless rate at 4.7 percent, while the Heart of Georgia/Altamaha region had the highest at 6.9 percent. 

Meanwhile, Georgia’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for June was 5.1 percent, down from 5.3 percent in May. It was 5.8 percent in June 2015.

Job seekers and employers are encouraged to use the GDOL’s online job listing service, www.employgeorgia.com to search for jobs or recruit new employees.  In June, 567 new job openings in Valdosta were posted on Employ Georgia. Throughout the state, 64,944 new job openings were posted.