CSRA’s August Unemployment Rate Declines To 10.3 Percent

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) reported Thursday that the preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) declined to 10.3 percent in August, down seven-tenths of a percentage point from a revised 11.0 percent in July. The reduction in the rate is primarily due to work force shrinkage.

In the Central Savannah River Area, the number of unemployed workers decreased in August to 21,284, down 1,531 from 22,815 in July. There were 14,946 jobless workers in the Central Savannah River area in August 2008, when the unemployment rate was 7.2 percent.

Statewide, the number of payroll jobs in August decreased 238,200, or 5.8 percent, from August of 2008. The over-the-year losses came in trade, transportation and warehousing, manufacturing, professional and business services, including temporary employment agencies, and construction. Healthcare and private educational services showed a combined increase of 13,400 jobs.

Meanwhile, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 10.2 percent in August, virtually unchanged from a revised 10.3 percent in July. The rate remained above the national rate of 9.7 percent for the 22nd consecutive month.

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond stressed that additional efforts must be focused on stimulating private sector job creation, particularly through Georgia’s small and medium-sized businesses. The GDOL is expanding Georgia Works, an initiative that significantly reduces employer costs associated with recruiting, training and hiring new employees.

The local area unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.