Preliminary data from the Georgia Department of Labor shows the unemployment rate in metro Atlanta fell to 9.9 percent in October, down from 10.2 in September.
According to officials, the number of metro area jobs increased by 13,900 with most of the gain in service-related industries. Local area unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.
Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 10.2 percent in October. The September rate was 10.3 percent. The rate improved due to 26,500 new jobs added statewide. Of those new jobs, 12,200 are holiday jobs in retail, transportation and warehousing.
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For 51 consecutive months, Georgia has exceeded the national unemployment rate, which is currently 9 percent.
Additional information is available at www.dol.state.ga.us.