Gov. Kemp: Georgia sees significant decrease in unemployment rate in October

ATLANTA—Gov. Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Labor today announced that Georgia’s unemployment rate in October dropped 1.8%, bringing the current unemployment rate to 4.5%, down more than 8% since the state’s all-time high in April 2020 and below the national average.

“Thanks to our measured approach to the pandemic, fighting for people and their paychecks, Georgia continues to lead the nation in economic recovery as the fight with COVID-19 continues,” said Gov. Brian Kemp. “As the No. 1 State for Business eight years in a row, we’ve been able to avoid draconian budget cuts, secure our AAA bond rating, and ensure a safe return to work for countless Georgians in every corner of the Peach State.

“This is great news, but we will not rest on our laurels. To build on our momentum, we need all Georgians to remain vigilant and continue to follow best practices to stop the spread of the virus: wear a mask, wash your hands, socially distance, follow the guidance of public health officials, and get your flu shot if you have not done so already. These simple measures will go a long way in keeping our state healthy and on the right track as we head into a busy holiday season. We are still facing down a once-in-a-century global pandemic, and we will do what it takes to protect lives and livelihoods and ensure Georgia’s safest, healthiest, and most prosperous days lie ahead.”

Last week, the Georgia Department of Economic Development announced that, from the start of the new fiscal year to the end of October, the creation of more than 11,800 jobs and over $4.3 billion in new investment, outpacing the same period last year by 45% in jobs and 56% in investment.