Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Southern Georgia’s labor force increased over-the-year.

"We are continuing to see an increase in the number of jobs available and very few actual reported layoffs through the WARN system, both good signs of an improving economy,” said Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler. “We must continue to work together to connect those seeking work with the many jobs available that offer stable salaries and competitive benefits.”

In Southern Georgia, the unemployment rate increased in June to 4.3 percent, an increase of four-tenths percentage points. A year ago, the rate was 6.4 percent.

The labor force decreased in June by 1,203 to 180,949. That number is up 5,696 over-the-year.

Southern Georgia ended June with 173,113 employed residents.  The number decreased by 2,001 in June but was up 9,095 as compared to last year.

Initial claims for unemployment decreased by 5 percent in June. When compared to last June, claims were down about 82 percent.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 2,745 active job postings in Southern Georgia for June.

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