There’s been a small rise in unemployment rates in Georgia as fresh graduates start to look for work during the summer. As given by the Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson, June’s unemployment rate was 33%, which is marginally more than May’s rate of 3.2%.

Increase in Unemployment During Summer Season

The unemployment rate in Georgia, even with this minimal increase, is still lower than the national average by0.8%. Thompson that this comes from the students out of school and joining the workforce over summer. Though it increases seasonal unemployment temporarily, these new workers play an essential role in building a sustainable economy with their skills and excitement.

Changes in Job Market

The Department of Labor has recorded a significant growth of job numbers across Georgia an additional 8,900 jobs during the month, taking the yearly total to 64,200 extra jobs. This has pushed the total count of jobs in Georgia to nearly 4.98 million an all-time high.

Job Growth by Sector,

• Health Care and Social Assistance, Grew by +3,200 jobs
• Transportation and Warehousing
• State Government
• Wholesale Trade
• Retail Trade

Downsizing Seen in Some Industries

The job numbers for certain industries have shown notable decreases. Administrative Support services, Motion Picture and Sound Recording industries, Transportation and Warehousing are some areas where there have been reductions ranging from 8,000 to nearly 15,000 jobs.

Job Losses by Sector,

• Administrative and Support Services
• Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries
• Transportation and Warehousing

Workforce Numbers and Employment Status

The workforce numbers in Georgia have hit an all-time high with 15,502 more workers taking the total up to approximately 5.4 million workers. Despite a small increase of 9% in unemployment claims in June, the overall claims are still lower by 7% annually as compared to last year.

Workforce Data,

• Growth of Workforce, +15,502
• Total workforce, almost 5.4 million

Forecast from Commissioner

Commissioner Thompson remains hopeful about Georgia’s economic course, highlighting how seasonal employment enhances local economy. He pointed out that the job numbers continue to rise due to the state’s efforts to meet industry requirements. “We are committed to providing jobs for Georgians,” Thompson stated. “Over the last year alone, nearly 70,000 additional jobs stand testament to this commitment including a large increase of 15,000 just in the past month.”

Comparative Analysis

The minor increase in unemployment rates seen in June isn’t surprising if you look at patterns from history. Generally, unemployment tends to increase during this frame because new graduates enter job market around then. Since 2008 we’ve seen an average loss of 27,100 jobs between May and June each year considering this background, current yearly job loss of only 8,200 is less weighty.

Historical Job Loss Average, yearly average loss is around 27,100 jobs between (May – June) since year 2008.

Job Numbers by Sectors

Looking at Georgia’s sector specific employment numbers, some domains hit their highest ever job numbers. This shows strong growth in these areas despite the overall changes in job market.

Sectors showing highest job counts,

• Private Education and Health Services
• Leisure and Hospitality
• Financial Activities

Looking Ahead at Economic Growth

The continuous gains recently seen in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services as well as Durable Goods Manufacturing and Healthcare signal that these strong sectors are driving Georgia’s economy. The state continues its focus in creating economic opportunities and leading in job creation.

A Final Note

While the little hike seen in unemployment rates of Georgia during the summer is consistent with known trends. Significant job growth and a rising labor force indicate continued progress. The new graduates and seasonal workers aid the dynamic economic structure of Georgia significantly. As these seasonal shifts occur, Georgia stays focused on maintaining long-term economic growth and ensuring availability of abundant opportunities for its workers.