(The Center Square) – Georgia’s first unemployment numbers show the state’s unemployment rate is steady at 3.4% but the number of jobs is declining.
September statistics show a net decrease of 3,200 jobs compared to the previous month, according to the Georgia Department of Labor. Most losses were in administrative and support services (4,200), retail trade (1,800), information (1,600), and state government (1,400).
Professional and technical services added 1,400 jobs in September, the finance and insurance sector added 1,300, and local government added 1,000.
The number of jobs increased over the past year by 24,300. The health care and social services sector added the most jobs with 25,300, according to the department. The transportation, warehousing, and utilities sector lost the most jobs with a decline of 10,700.
Georgia’s economy is changing, according to Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes.
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“For years we’ve invested in building a modern, adaptable workforce, and that investment is reflected in Georgia’s competitive business climate and consistently low unemployment,” Holmes said. “Today, that work matters more than ever – it’s what transforms skilled workers and thriving businesses into lasting opportunity for every Georgian.”
Georgia’s unemployment rate remains below the national average of 4.4%.