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ATLANTA, GA --
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that Georgia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has declined to 8.5 percent for November.

State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler says that "this is the lowest state unemployment rate in nearly four years, since it was 8.5 percent in January 2009." He attributes the dropping rate to job growth and fewer new layoffs.

Labor officials say trade, transportation and warehousing sectors saw the biggest job gains,

"I am encouraged by the continuing growth in the number of manufacturing jobs in Georgia," said Gov. Nathan Deal. "This is a result of focusing on a pro-business environment and working closely with Georgia employers to help them grow their businesses, while actively recruiting new industry to our state."

Authorities say that  initial unemployment insurance claims declined to 47,351 from 51,495 in October, making it the lowest claims number in seven years.

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