ATLANTA - The number of first-time claims for unemployment insurance benefits increased in Georgia by 14 percent last month compared to October.
The biggest increases were in Columbus (43.7 percent), Gainesville (38.3 percent), and Albany (37.7 percent). Only Rome and Warner Robins of the state's 14 metropolitan areas did not report an increase.
Applications were also up from November a year ago - 18.6 percent statewide, lead by Albany (89.5 percent), Warner Robins (46.8 percent), and Athens (41.4 percent). In Gainesville, the increase was 37.7 percent. Savannah was the only metropolitan area not showing an increase over those 12 months.
State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler says most of the increase from a month ago was due to a jump in temporary claims filed in manufacturing, especially in textiles and machinery. Over the year (Nov. 2014-Nov. 2015), the increases came mostly in manufacturing and construction.
