Jobless rate rises in Dalton, Ga.

Hiring fair today at Dalton Career Center

photo Unemployment tile

As Dalton's biggest carpet makers conduct a hiring event today for veterans and other job seekers, the Georgia Department of Labor reported that unemployment in metropolitan Dalton rose last month by six-tenths of a percent to 8.8 percent.

Dalton added 400 jobs last month, but seasonal gains in the labor force due to students and graduates entering the job market overwhelmed those employment gains, swelling the labor force by 677 workers.

Despite the monthly rise in unemployment, Dalton's jobless rate in May of this year was still down sharply from the 10.3 percent rate in May 2013.

To help those out of work, the Georgia Department of Labor is conducting a Veterans Appreciation Day Hiring Event at the Dalton Career Center,1406 Chattanooga Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon today.

The hiring event will have special emphasis for veterans but others may apply for jobs as well.

Dalton's biggest carpet manufacturers - Beaulieu, Mohawk and Shaw - will be on-site to take applications and conduct interviews.

A representative from Veterans Services and Social Security will be available to answer questions regarding benefits. A representative from Simian Wrangler specializing in Small Business Management and start up coaching will also be there.

Job seekers are urged to bring resumes, but they are not required.

Dalton's jobless rate remained above the statewide average of 7.2 percent in May. Across the Peach State, unemployment was lowest in metro Athens at 5.7 percent and highest in the Atlamaha region at 9.8 percent.

Upcoming Events