First-time UI claims up in Gainesville, most of Ga.

ATLANTA - First-time claims for unemployment insurance (UI) in Georgia increased in December by 29.5 percent compared to December a year ago.

In Gainesville, they were up 100.9 percent from 790 in December 2012 to 1,587 last month. They were up in Atlanta and Athens, as well.

In all, claims were up in eleven of the 14 metropolitan areas in the state. They were down in only Brunswick, Hinesville and Valdosta.

State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said the increases were due to temporary claims filed in manufacturing, with additional mostly seasonal claims in construction, administrative and support services, accommodations and food services, and trade and transportation.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/1/270377