Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Albany’s unemployment rate fell and jobs increased in November.
 
At the same time, Albany maintained annual growth in all critical measures across the five-county metropolitan statistical area (MSA).    
 
“This really has been a great year for Georgia,” Butler said. “Across the state we continue to add jobs, and find people to fill them. We’ve routinely set records. There is much to be thankful for this holiday season.”
 
The unemployment rate for November, at 4.3 percent, was down 0.1 percent over the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 5 percent. That rate was 13th lowest among the 14 MSAs. The rate dropped in 13 of the 14 MSAs.
 
The labor force in Albany climbed by 348 in November to reach 69,006. That number is up by 253 over the past year – an average monthly increase of about 20.
 
Albany added 364 employed residents in November, pushing the total to 66,029. The number is up 680 for the year, or about 55 per month.
 
Jobs grew by 500 in November to 64,400 - a record high. The job total in Albany is up 500 over the year – an average increase of about 40 per month.
 
Claims for unemployment insurance decreased by 54 percent in November. They were up by 22 percent when compared to the same month a year ago.