Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Savannah’s unemployment rate fell during November.
 
At the same time, Savannah added jobs and decreased initial claims.  Most critical measures remain positive for annual growth in the three-county metropolitan statistical area (MSA).    
 
“This really has been a great year for Georgia,” Butler said. “Across the state we continue to add jobs and find people to fill them. We’ve routinely set records. There is much to be thankful for this holiday season.”
 
The unemployment rate for November, at 3.2 percent, went down 0.3 percent over the previous month.  A year ago, the rate was 4 percent. That rate was tied for third among the 14 MSAs.
 
The labor force in Savannah went down by 1,582 in November to reach 182,796. That number is down by 2,190 over the past year – an average monthly decrease of about 183.
 
Savannah lost 970 employed residents in November, bringing the total to 176,983. The number is up by 673 for the year, or about 56 per month.
 
Jobs were up 100 in November, pushing the total at 179,400. The job total in Savannah is down 200 over the year – an average monthly decrease of 17.
 
Claims for unemployment insurance decreased by 17 percent in November. They were down by 19 percent when compared to the same month a year ago.