The number of initial claims for unemployment insurance in Georgia and in Gainesville rose in January, compared to December.
State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said, statewide, applications increased by 6,311, or 13.2 percent, to 54,220. Most of the new claims, Butler said, were due to an uptick in temporary filings in the manufacturing of textiles and transportation equipment, along with wholesale and retail trade and administrative and support services, which includes temporary employment agencies.
In Gainesville, the number rose by 21.4 percent, in Athens 24.1 percent and in Atlanta 26.2 percent. Eight of Georgia's metropolitan areas, led by Warner Robins, up 79 percent, showed an increase in claims in January compared to December.
Six metro regions showed a decrease, with Columbus leading the way at 23.9 percent.
