Oct. 22--The preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate in the Metro Dalton area (Whitfield and Murray counties) dropped to 12.4 percent in September, down from a revised 12.5 percent in August, the state Department of Labor said Thursday. The unemployment rate for the Northwest Georgia area, which includes 15 counties including Whitfield and Murray, declined to 11.1 percent in September, down from a revised 11.2 percent in August. The number of unemployed workers in the Metro Dalton area decreased by 157, from 7,942 in August to 7,785 in September, the DOL said. In September 2008, there were 5,025 jobless workers in Dalton, and the unemployment rate was 7.7 percent. The number of payroll jobs in Metro Dalton was 66,700 in September of this year, a loss of 6,100, or 8.4 percent, from 72,800 in September 2008. Statewide, the number of payroll jobs in September was 3,844,400, a decrease of 237,100, or 5.8 percent, from 4,081,500 in September of 2008, the DOL said. The losses came in manufacturing, trade, construction and administrative support services, including temporary employment services. Educational and health services added 13,700 jobs over the year. The state's work force decreased 117,230, or 2.4 percent, from 4,852,086 in September 2008 to 4,734,856 in September of this year. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 10.1 percent from August to September. The rate remained above the national rate (9.8 percent) for the 23nd consecutive month. State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said job creation is critical for economic recovery. The DOL said the focus is on "stimulating private sector job growth, particularly through Georgia's small and medium-sized businesses." Thurmond encourages employers and people looking for a job to use Georgia Work$ (GW$). To learn more, visit www.dol.state.ga.us or send an e-mail to gawork$@dol.state.ga.us. GW$ telephone operators are available at 1-877-WORKS09 (1-877-967-5709). The DOL said local area unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted. Labor market data are available at www.dol.state.ga.us.

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