Georgia registered a drop in unemployment and increased job creation in November.
Figures released by the Georgia Department of Labor showed that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 5.6 percent during the month from 5.7 percent in October. The rate was down from 6.7 percent in November 2014.
Some 3,700 jobs were created in November. The total number of jobs in the state reached 4,309,100 in November, up 0.1 percent from October levels. Around 2,300 jobs were added in professional and business services, the most of any sector. Construction added 2,100 jobs, education and health services added 1,800 jobs, leisure and hospitality added 1,700 jobs and manufacturing added 1,400 jobs.
The November job gains add to the total 92,900 jobs created over the year. This marks a 2.2 percent yearly growth rate, which surpasses the national growth rate of 1.9 percent.
Most of the job growth over-the-year came from gains trade, transportation and warehousing, which added 22,100 jobs, and professional and business services, which added 21,200 jobs.
The total labor force in the state grew by 14,236 workers in November to reach a total of 4,750,020 people.
“Because of the ports, because of the hospitality industries here, the manufacturing that goes on here. We are in very good shape and in a very good position in the state of Georgia,” said Brian Davis, manager of the Department of Labor’s Savannah Career Center, in an interview with local station WTOC.
The source reported that economic growth in Savannah contributed to the improved job situation. Although the total number of initial claims for unemployment insurance were up across the state over the year, Savannah was the only major metro area to see a decline in unemployment claims.