The Georgia Department of Labor announced that the state’s unemployment rate reached 3.5% in May, the lowest in a year, but this was accompanied by a decline in the labor force. Specifically, Georgia’s labor force decreased by over 4,000 in May compared to April. A year ago, this figure had declined by nearly 30,000. However, this decrease is not cause for alarm, according to Chris Karbownik, an economics professor at Emory University. He suggested that the state’s aging population and a rise in young people seeking higher education were key factors in this decline.

Another impact on the labor force is internal U.S. migration. For years, Georgia has experienced net positive internal migration, potentially masking labor force declines. However, as the number of newcomers to the state decreases, these declines may become more evident. Immigration also plays a role in the labor force decline. Migrant workers make up approximately 20% of the U.S. labor force, and the number detected is shrinking due to tighter immigration enforcement.

Industries that are particularly reliant on immigrant or undocumented workers, such as construction, farming, and food preparation, face a significant challenge. A decline in immigration also influences Georgia’s decreasing labor force because approximately half of the U.S. immigrant workforce consists of Latin Americans, a group experiencing increased deportation efforts.

Despite these factors, Chris Karbownik and Rajeev Dhawan, an economist at Georgia State University, advised caution in how much weight the reported figures are given. They emphasized looking at the number of actual jobs to gain a better understanding of Georgia’s economic health.

For anyone affected by these labor changes, the Employment Development Department (EDD) in California provides various benefits to help through periods of unemployment. EDD offers an array of services, including unemployment insurance, disability insurance due to illness or injury, paid family leave for caregiving, and job service programs for those looking for work. To access these services or get more information, you may want to find out how to get ahold of edd customer service. Many people find reaching a live person at EDD challenging. However, using services such as eddcaller.com can be an effective way to get in touch with EDD officials or the unemployment office. Eddcaller.com provides guidance on how to navigate the calling system and reach a live person, making the process less daunting. So if you are wondering how to get through to edd, eddcaller.com might be a helpful resource.