Is the manufacturing job market improving in Georgia?
A recent report suggests Georgia’s manufacturing industry is on the mend. According to the 2014 Georgia Manufacturers Register, Georgia has experienced 1.6 percent growth in manufacturing jobs from May 2012 to May 2013. This is more than double the growth during the same period from 2011 to 2012, as well as ahead of the national average.
Interestingly, a report issued by Kennesaw State University suggested that Georgia is actually losing jobs in manufacturing–finding in June that employment is trending downward.
It is tough to know what to make of these conflicting reports. However, what is clear is that as we recover from the recession, many individuals and families that have been hit hard by lengthy bouts of unemployment continue to struggle.
Many people who have been victims of layoffs or downsizing in Atlanta during the recession have ended up incurring significant amounts of debt–even if they were able to meet all of their monthly financial obligations.
Those who are struggling with unmanageable debt, and possibly creditor harassment, should be aware that they may be good candidates for bankruptcy relief. Many people might think that because they have gone back to work now, they cannot qualify for bankruptcy protection, but this is not necessarily true.
Those who have incomes–even high incomes–but are struggling with debt may benefit from Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows debtors to reorganize their debts and come up with new arrangements to pay creditors. This is also a method to stop creditor harassment and prevent foreclosure.
It is nice to see news about an improving job market, but there are still many people out there who cannot find work or who have suffered financial difficulties due to long-term unemployment. It is important that viable debt relief options are available to those who find themselves in such situations.
Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle, “Manufacturers’ News: Georgia gaining manufacturing jobs,” Jacques Couret, July 22, 2013
