State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler recently reported that Georgia broke records again in August – posting all-time highs in jobs and employment, according to press releases from the state.

Georgia reportedly added 20,800 jobs last month, marking the strongest August in the last 20 years and doubling the number of new jobs created in August of 2018. The 20,800 jobs added push Georgia’s total job number to a new state record of 4.64 million jobs.

“It’s a great time to be a Georgian,” said Gov. Kemp in a press release. “Georgia is the top state for business for the sixth consecutive year, job growth is breaking records, and our ports are firing on all cylinders. With the nation’s leading workforce development program and a world-class infrastructure system, businesses around the world have Georgia on their mind. Now is not the time to take our foot off the gas. By continuing to invest in education and workforce development, prioritizing health care innovation, and maintaining a welcoming business climate, Georgia’s best days are ahead.”

Georgia had even more positive news in the August preliminary numbers, according to a press release from Butler’s office. The state added to its labor force for the first time in six months and saw new unemployment claims fall.

“August was the type of month I like to see for Georgia,” Butler said. “We gained ground across the board while setting records for jobs and employed residents. It was great to see the labor force growing again.”

Nationally, the unemployment rate was unchanged in August at 3.7 percent. The nation also grew its labor force, increased the number of employed residents and added more 130,000 jobs.

Georgia’s unemployment rate also held constant in August, staying at 3.6 percent.  A year ago, Georgia’s unemployment rate sat at 3.8 percent. 

Georgia added 20,800 jobs in August, pushing the total to 4.64 million jobs – a new record for the state. That number is up nearly 85,000 from the same time last year.