Metro Atlanta's Jobless Rate Remains Steady ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Newly-reported unemployment numbers show Metro Atlanta's jobless rate of 10.4% stayed steady from September to October. The number doesn't give a total picture, however. WABE's Jim Burress has more.

Not included in the unemployment rate are those who have given up on finding work, moved away, or taken part-time or lower-paying jobs.

For the remaining quarter-million metro Atlantans still looking for work, there are simply fewer positions.

The area has shed more than 138-thousand jobs in the past year, according to the Georgia Department of Labor.

In an earlier interview with WABE, state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said when the economy rebounds, there's no guarantee we'll see post-recession job levels.

"Individuals who are unemployed, finding it difficult to get back into work should pursue education and training opportunities, so they can reposition themselves for the opportunities that will be there."

And that's exactly what folks are doing. New data show nearly 19,000 more students enrolled in Georgia's public colleges and universities this fall compared to last year.

Jim Burress, WABE News.
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