First-time applications for unemployment insurance in Georgia and in Gainesville were up in December compared to November, according to the state Labor Department.
Labor Commissioner Mark Butler says they were up 18.7 percent statewide and four percent in Gainesville.
The Gainesville percentage decrease was second-lowest among the 14 metropolitan areas in Georgia, behind only Valdosta. Increases were reported in eleven the 14 metro regions, with double-digit increases noted in nine areas. While Gainesville showed an increase, Athens recorded a 41.9 percent decreases. Claims were up in Atlanta 20.3 percent.
Most of the increases were in manufacturing and construction, along with accommodations and food services, and administrative and support services, according to Butler.
Butler also says that over the 12 months ending in December, claims were down 32 percent, with manufacturing, administrative and support services, and accommodations and food services leading the way.
