ATLANTA—The Georgia Department of Labor reported that the preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate in metro Savannah decreased to 9.1 percent in August, down six-tenths of a percentage point from a revised 9.7 percent in July. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed workers in the metro area decreased to 15,988, down 1,307 from 17,295. 

 

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 10 percent in August, up one-tenth of a percentage point from a revised 9.9 percent in July, primarily because of layoffs in retail trade and construction. The rate was also 10 percent in August 2009. 

 

This is the 35th consecutive month Georgia has exceeded the national unemployment rate, which is currently 9.6 percent. The jobless rate in metro Savannah in August 2009 was 8.5 percent. 

 

Effingham County’s preliminary August 2010 unemployment rate is 8 percent, down from a revised July figure of 10.6 percent. Unemployment for August 2009 was 7.7 percent in Effingham County.

 

 

For more see Friday's edition of the Herald.