Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Athens set another record in October for total jobs.
 
At the same time, Athens added to its labor force, increased its number of employed residents and grew jobs. All indicators were positive for the year as well for the four-county metropolitan statistical area.
 
“It’s always good to see jobs grow in Georgia and more records set,” Butler said. “This holiday season we have much to be thankful for. The job market has been very robust this year.”
 
The unemployment rate for October, at 3.4 percent, was up .4 percent over the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 4.1 percent. That rate was tied for second lowest among the 14 MSAs. The rate increased in all 14 MSAs.
 
The labor force in Athens grew by 1,604 in October to reach 105,698. That number is up by 3,536 over the past year – an average monthly increase of about 300.
 
Athens gained 1,151 employed residents in October, pushing the total to 102,128. The number is up 4,142 for the year, or about 345 per month.
 
Jobs grew by 1,500 in October to 102,600 - a record high. Athens’s job total is up 4,200 over the year – an average increase of 350.
 
Claims for unemployment insurance increased by 45 percent in October. They were down by 1 percent when compared to the same month a year ago.