The weekly release of unemployment statistics on Thursday by the U.S Department of Labor included a note that the 2.8 percent rise in unemployment from the previous week marks the highest level of the seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate since the seasonally adjusted series was created.

Last week, the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) processed 247,003 initial claims with employer filed claims accounting for 94 percent. In the past month, GDOL has processed 1,090,536 claims, more than the combined total for the previous three years. 

This translates to about one in six workers losing their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Even with the sobering unemployment statistics, our Job Connections are connecting clients with meaningful job opportunities,” said Leah Pontani, Vice President of Career Development at Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA. “We have virtual career centers set up online to help people find, prepare for and land permanent jobs that are going to meet their needs to keep a roof over their family’s head and food on their tables.” 

Job seekers can access the virtual Job Connection online portal here.

One of the oft-heard laments from Georgia employers is the lack of a qualified workforce, and Goodwill can also help employers fill their gaps. Goodwill Staffing can assist in filling long-term positions for local employers.

“We know one key to the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic will be ensuring employers have the resources they need, including access to quality employees and the training they need,” noted Pontani. “We specialize in hiring events, direct placement, industry certification programs, incumbent worker training and we have our own staffing service for long-term and temp-to-perm situations. We are a one-stop shop on both sides of the hiring equation.” 

Employers are encouraged to call Pontani at 706.854.4746 for more information on staffing services.