Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Northwest Georgia’s labor force increased in June.

 "We are continuing to see an increase in the number of jobs available and very few actual reported layoffs through the WARN system, both good signs of an improving economy,” said Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler. “We must continue to work together to connect those seeking work with the many jobs available that offer stable salaries and competitive benefits.”

In Northwest Georgia, the unemployment rate increased in June to 3.7 percent, an increase of four-tenths percentage points. A year ago, the rate was 7.2 percent.

 The labor force increased in June by 1,348 to 422,713. That number is up 16,694 over-the-year.

Northwest Georgia ended June with 406,916 employed residents.  The number decreased by 415 in June but was up 30,316 as compared to last year.

Initial claims for unemployment decreased by 22 percent in June. When compared to last June, claims were down about 87 percent.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 6,520 active job postings in Northwest Georgia for June.

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