Local Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly in June

The unemployment rate in the Georgia Mountains region in June was 5.5 percent, up from 5.2 percent in May.

“The rate rose as the number of initial claims for unemployment insurance increased by 212, or 16.5 percent, to 1,494 in June,” said State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler. “Most of the increase came in manufacturing and construction, wholesale and retail trade, and professional and technical services. Over the year, however, claims were down by 218 or 12.7 percent, from 1,712 filed in June 2014.”Over the year, claims were down by 218 or 12.7 percent, from 1,712 filed in June 2014.

In Franklin County, the unemployment rate in June was 6.9% – up from 6.5% in May.

Franklin County’s total labor force last month stood at 9,141 – of that, 634 workers were on unemployment.

In Hart County, the unemployment rate for June came in at 6.7% up from 6.3% in May.

Hart County’s total labor force in June was 10,424 – of that, 697 workers were out of a job.