Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Columbus added jobs during November.
 
At the same time, the unemployment rate decreased.  Columbus maintained annual growth in most critical measures for the five-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 3.9 percent, went down 0.4 percent over the previous month.  A year ago, the rate was 4.9 percent. That rate was tied for 10th among the 14 MSAs.
 
The labor force in Columbus went down by 484 in November to reach 126,297. That number is up by 1,056 over the past year – an average monthly increase of 88.
 
Columbus gained one employed resident in November, bringing the total to 121,352. The number is up by 2,195 for the year, or about 183 per month.
 
Jobs grew by 500 in November to 125,200. The job total in Columbus is up 2,400 over the year – an average increase of 200.
 
Claims for unemployment insurance increased by 26 percent in November. They were up by 14 percent when compared to the same month a year ago.