Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Albany increased its labor force and also added jobs in October.
 
At the same time, claims for unemployment increased and the jobless rate inched up. Key indicators were positive for the year as well for the five-county metropolitan statistical area (MSA).
 
“This holiday season we have much to be thankful for,” Butler said. “The job market has been very robust this year. Our communities continue to grow and prosper.”
 
The unemployment rate for October, at 4.4 percent, was up .4 percent over the previous month. A year ago, the rate was 5.1 percent. That rate tied for 12th among the 14 MSAs.
 
The labor force in Albany grew by 660 in October to reach 68,577. That number is down by 103 over the past year, an average decline of less than 10.
 
Albany gained 384 employed residents in October, pushing the total to 65,590. The number is up 397 for the year, or about 30 per month.
 
Jobs grew by 600 in October to 63,900. Albany’s job total is up 200 over the year – an average increase of about 16.
 
Claims for unemployment insurance jumped by 427 percent in October. They were down by 329 percent when compared to the same month a year ago.