The number of initial claims for unemployment insurance, a measure of new layoffs, jumped by 15.1 percent in Georgia in May but was down 4.8 percent in Gainesville.
In fact, Gainesville was one of only four metropolitan areas in the state showing a decrease in applications last month. The others were Columbus, Dalton, Hinesville and Rome. Dalton led the way with a 24.2 percent decline.
Valdosta led the state in increases (64.9 percent). Athens showed an increase of 29.6 percent and filings in Atlanta were up 12.5 percent.
According to state Labor Commissioner Mark Butler, about a third of the statewide increase can be attributed to temporary claims. Most of the increase was due to a rise in claims filed in manufacturing. Over the year, claims also rose. The 8.5 percent increase from a year ago was also mostly in manufacturing, according to Butler.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/6/412706/claims-for-unemployment-insurance-up-statewide-down-in-gainesville