Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Coastal Georgia’s labor force increased in October.
 
At the same time, the 10-county area saw its initial claims dip down.  Most major indicators 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 rose to 3.6 percent, up by .4 percent from September. That’s tied for fourth among the 12 regions. The rate was 4.4 percent one year ago.
 
The labor force grew in October by 317 to reach 327,727 total members. The number has fallen by 876 over the past 12 months, or an average loss of about 73 per month.
 
The Coastal region lost 996 employed residents in October, pushing its total to 315,832. That number has grown by 1,545 over the past year, or an average monthly gain of about 129.  
 
Initial claims for unemployment were up by about 9 percent for the month. They are down by about 55 percent when compared to last October.