Unemployment claims in Georgia increase

GAINESVILLE- The number of first-time unemployment claims in Georgia increased last month from a year ago by point-6 percent.

Only three of the state's metropolitan areas, led by Gainesville, showed a decrease in the number of such claims. They dropped by 422 in Gainesville; 281 in Augusta; and 52 in Athens.

Rome led the state of increases in unemployment insurance claims during the twelve-month period with a 21 percent increase. Columbus was second, at 18.6 percent.