Unemployment Rate increases in Georgia Mountains

The Georgia Labor Department reports the Georgia Mountains Regional Commissions recorded increases in unemployment rates.  This area includes Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties.  The December preliminary unemployment rate was up two-tenths to 1.9 percent over the month, the rate was 3.9 percent one year ago.  The labor force was up 635 over the month and up 9,133 over the year to 362,347.  The number of employed was down 266 over the month and up 16,143 over the year to 355,462.  Initial claims were up 93 or 14% over the month and down 4,419 or -85% over the year to 782.