The first numbers of the year on unemployment claims filed in Georgia are out. The state's Labor Department reports 120,139 laid-off workers filed first-time claims for benefits in January. That represents a spike of over 80 percent from January 2008. Of metro regions in the state, Dalton felt the highest number of unemployment claims--up 164 percent.
State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond says with so many talented, experienced and educated workers now flooding the job market, those with the highest levels of persistence will be the most successful in landing employment.
State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond says this is becoming a "Darwinian job market.":
"The growing number of layoffs has created a surplus of jobseekers who are talented, experienced, educated, and well-trained. In this challenging environment, the most successful jobseekers will be those who demonstrate the highest levels of persistence, determination, and above all, flexibility when looking for work."
Most of the state initial claims were filed by laid-off workers in manufacturing, trade, administrative services, including temporary employment agencies, and construction.
Thurmond urges jobseekers to continue to look for work, explore training and education opportunities and to make full use of the department's reemployment services available at the 53 Georgia Department of Labor Career Centers around the state. The locations of the career centers may be accessed via the internet at www.dol.state.ga.us.
State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond says with so many talented, experienced and educated workers now flooding the job market, those with the highest levels of persistence will be the most successful in landing employment.
State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond says this is becoming a "Darwinian job market.":
"The growing number of layoffs has created a surplus of jobseekers who are talented, experienced, educated, and well-trained. In this challenging environment, the most successful jobseekers will be those who demonstrate the highest levels of persistence, determination, and above all, flexibility when looking for work."
Most of the state initial claims were filed by laid-off workers in manufacturing, trade, administrative services, including temporary employment agencies, and construction.
Thurmond urges jobseekers to continue to look for work, explore training and education opportunities and to make full use of the department's reemployment services available at the 53 Georgia Department of Labor Career Centers around the state. The locations of the career centers may be accessed via the internet at www.dol.state.ga.us.
