Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Southwest Georgia’s labor force increased over-the-year.

"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 Southwest Georgia, the unemployment rate increased in June to 5.1 percent, an increase of six-tenths percentage points. A year ago, the rate was 7.1 percent.

The labor force decreased in June by 864 to 146,716. That number is up 1,034 over-the-year.

Southwest Georgia ended June with 139,231 employed residents.  The number decreased by 1,750 in June but was up 3,870 as compared to last year.

Initial claims for unemployment increased by 5 percent in June. When compared to last June, claims were down about 78 percent.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 3,273 active job postings in Southwest Georgia for June.

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