The Georgia Department of Labor reported that the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 10.4 percent in April. The state's job market also showed a slight improvement for the third consecutive month. Payroll jobs in April increased by 26,900.http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_176060.asp

Georgia’s unemployment rate has exceeded the national unemployment rate which is at 9.7 percent in the past 29 consecutive months. The number of unemployed workers in the state increased to 496,030, from 488,163 in January 2010.http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_171414.asp

All over the state, the yearly losses came from manufacturing, construction, trade, transportation and utilities. Professional, business services and financial activities suffered losses too. On the positive side, educational and health services added 5,700 jobs over the year.http://blogs.ajc.com/business-beat/2010/03/18/georgias-unemployment-rate-rises-to-10-5-percent/

The Augusta area however, gained jobs in professional and business services, retail trade, health services and federal and state government. It fared better compared to most metro areas in the state. Savannah reported job loss of 3,600 for the year, most of those coming in manufacturing, transportation and warehousing. Dalton on the other hand, lost 2,900 jobs in 2009 while Gainesville, Valdosta and Albany lost 2,300 jobs in the same year.http://chronicle.augusta.com/latest-news/2010-03-03/georgia-unemployment-rate-increases

There were 66,069 laid-off workers who filed initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits in February 2010, a decrease of 30.6 percent compared to January 2010.http://blogs.ajc.com/business-beat/2010/03/18/georgias-unemployment-rate-rises-to-10-5-percent/

Michael Thurmond said that high unemployment, half-a million jobless workers, tens of thousands of lost jobs, combined with slow job growth over a long span of time are strong reminders of the economic challenges that lie ahead but the significant decrease in February initial unemployment insurance claims is an indication that Georgia’s job market is stabilizing.http://blogs.ajc.com/business-beat/2010/03/18/georgias-unemployment-rate-rises-to-10-5-percent/

The overall workforce of the state stands about 4.7 million. This is down by 130,000 or 2.7 percent since the recession began in December 2007. While the number of jobs now available in the state is just under 3.8 million. http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=12075027

The historic highest unemployment rate in Georgia is at 10.5 percent in February 2010 and the historic low at 3.3 percent in December 2000. http://www.bls.gov/web/lauhsthl.htm The city with the highest unemployment rate is at Dalton with 12.6 followed by Rome 10.7, Albany 10.5, Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Marietta 10.1, and Macon with 10.http://data.bls.gov/map/servlet/map.servlet.MapToolServlet?state=13&datatype=unemployment&year=2009&period=M12&survey=la&map=msa&seasonal=u

Georgia's unemployment benefit, which is also called Unemployment Insurance benefits, is an income which will be given to workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. They are either looking for another job, have a definite recall to their jobs within six weeks of the last day worked or are in approved training. The requirements to become eligible are based on past wages, reason for job separation and availability and job search requirements. This benefit lasts up to 26 weeks. To file for unemployment insurance benefit an individual has to visit the Department of Labor. http://www.dol.state.ga.us/js/unemployment_benefits_individuals.htm Career Center

A second tier of extension of benefits can also be availed because Georgia is considered a high unemployment state. This will start after the first standard extension ends with an additional 13 weeks. http://www.dol.state.ga.us/spotlight/sp_ext_benefits_programs_available.htm

A third Tier of extension is available which provides additional 13 weeks benefits to those who have exhausted 2nd Tier EUC. One must qualify for and exhaust 2nd Tier EUC benefits before or during the claim week of March 28-April 3, 2010 to qualify for 3rd Tier EUC benefits. http://www.dol.state.ga.us/spotlight/sp_ext_benefits_programs_available.htm

The fourth Tier emergency unemployment compensation provides up to six weeks additional benefits for those individuals who have exhausted 3rd Tier and still find themselves unemployed. A person must qualify for and exhaust 3rd Tier EUC benefits before or during the claim week of March 28-April 3, 2010, to qualify for 4th Tier EUC benefits.http://www.dol.state.ga.us/spotlight/sp_ext_benefits_programs_available

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The content on this page is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Please consult a financial expert before taking any action suggested on this page.