Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Southern Georgia’s labor force increased in October.
 
At the same time, the 18-county area added employed residents and saw initial claims dip down.  Most major indicators are remain positive for the year.
 
“Georgia’s job market has been strong all year, across all 12 regions,” Butler said. “We continue to add jobs, employed residents and grow our labor force. We have much to be thankful for.”
 
The October unemployment rate went up to 3.9 percent, up by .4 from September. It was 4.6 percent one year ago. The monthly rate ranked seventh among the 12 regions.
 
The labor force rose in October by 1,587 to reach 180,889 total members. The number has climbed by 2,204 over the past 12 months, or an average gain of more than 184 per month.
 
The Southern Georgia region gained 845 employed residents in October, pushing its total to 173,911. That number has grown by 3,362 over the past year, or an average monthly gain of about 280.  
 
Initial claims for unemployment went up by about 64 percent for the month. They are up by about 38 percent when compared to last October.