The Georgia Department of Labor (DOL) has reported that the unemployment rate in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) rose to a preliminary unadjusted rate of 7.7 percent in October, up 1.8 percentage points over the year from October of 2007. The jobless rate in the CSRA rose six-tenths of one percent from a revised 7.1 percent in September.

Meanwhile, the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 7.0 percent in October, the highest rate in more than 16 years. The jobless rate was up 2.5 percentage points from 4.5 percent at this same time last year. The October unemployment rate was up six-tenths of one percent from a revised 6.4 percent in September. At present, 343,093 unemployed Georgians are looking for work.

"Georgia's economy continues to suffer from increasing job losses and rising unemployment," said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. "I commend our state's congressional delegation and President Bush for approving extended unemployment insurance benefits for the more than 90,000 Georgians who may be eligible under the new law. This is welcomed and muchneeded financial assistance, as they search for new jobs."

Benefit recipients who have already exhausted their claims and meet eligibility requirements under the new legislation will receive written notification, an application, and instructions on how to apply. Individuals who are currently receiving unemployment insurance benefits and exhaust their claims should continue to certify each week. They will automatically be enrolled for the extended benefits. For additional information about extended benefits, visit www.dol.state.ga.us, or call toll-free 866-873-5676.

Over the last year, the number of payroll jobs decreased 61,300 or 1.5 percent. This is the largest October-to-October decline in jobs ever recorded. The over-the-year job losses came across-the-board in all major sectors. Manufacturing, construction, retail trade, and private employment agencies were especially hard hit.

The local area unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted. Georgia labor market data are available at www.dol.state.ga.us.