Athens continues its streak of record-setting numbers when it comes to jobs. The Georgia Department of Labor released the figures for September today and Commissioner Mark Butler says the Classic City once again the numbers continue to grow.
“We see some very good news, first of all we saw 1,100 jobs created in the month of September, which by the way, brings the total number of jobs in the Athens-area to 100-thousand total jobs, which by the way, is an all-time high for the Athens area. So record-breaking month when it comes to job creation when it comes to the Athens area.”
Butler says initial claims for unemployment are also down from August as well from the same time last year. He says the labor force, or people looking for jobs and working, is also increasing. But overall, he says the job statistics are the most important takeaway from the most recent report.
“I think the one thing that stand out has to be the record number of jobs that we’re seeing right now created in the Athens area. Athens already has a very good economy right now, has been doing very well.”
Even with the positive report, Butler says there is still room for improvement in some areas.
“Right now, I think Athens’ biggest issue is getting more individuals to engage into the labor force, because we do have a lot of current job openings right now. All-tine record in jobs is something the Athens area can be very proud of.”
September’s unemployment rate was 3 percent, down have a point from August. The rate was 4.2 percent a year ago.
Athens four-county Metropolitan Statistical Area, or MSA, includes Clarke, Madison, Oconee and Oglethorpe counties.
