The Georgia Department of Labor reported that the unemployment rate in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) declined to 5.7 percent in April, down three-tenths of one percent from a revised 6.0 percent in March. However, the rate was up from 4.8 percent in April of 2007.

Meanwhile, the state's unemployment rate declined to 5.0 percent in April, down two-tenths of one percent from a revised 5.2 percent in March. However, the rate was up a full percentage point over the year, from a 4.0 percent in April of 2007.

The current state rate, which is two-tenths of one percent higher than the U.S. unadjusted rate of 4.8 percent, continued to top the national rate for the third consecutive month.

While data released last week showed a rise in unemployment insurance claims, preliminary data from March to April show Georgia gained 5,300 payroll jobs, an increase of one-tenth of one percent. The data includes workers who hold more than one job.

Georgia labor market data are not seasonally adjusted and are available at www.dol.state.ga.us.