Sandy Springs Jobless Rate Falls From Last Month

The city of Sandy Springs unemployment rate fell by one-tenth of a percent from last month, according to new figures from the Georgia Department of Labor.

November unemployment rate was 6.2, compared to 6.3 in October. In November 2011, the city's unemployment rate was 6.7.

The figures were released early Thursday morning.

In Sandy Springs, 3,526 people are classified as unemployed by the department.

Overall, metro Atlanta's preliminary unemployment rate declined to 8.0 percent in November, down two-tenths of a percentage point from 8.2 percent in October.

It's down nine-tenths of a percentage point from the 8.9 percent of November 2011. The rate declined because of job growth and fewer new layoffs, represented by first time claims for unemployment insurance benefits.

There was an increase of 12,300 new jobs in metro Atlanta. There were 2,366,500 jobs in November, up five-tenths of a percentage point, from 2,354,200 in October.

Meanwhile, Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 8.5 percent in November, down two-tenths of a percentage point from 8.7 percent in October. The rate was 9.5 percent in November a year ago.

Statewide, there were 3,984,000 jobs in November, up 9,600, or two-tenths of a percentage point, from 3,974,400 in October. Over the year, Georgia gained 61,900 jobs, or 1.6 percent, from 3,922,100 in November 2011.

Local area unemployment data are not seasonally adjusted. Georgia labor market data are available at www.dol.state.ga.us