Unemployment Spikes to Parts of Georgia Previously Shielded

By Jim Burress

Atlanta, GA – At more than a 170 percent increase, Gainesville trailed only Rome, Georgia in the percentage jump of jobless claims compared to June of 08.

Greater Hall County Economic Development director Tim Evans says part of what's driving the increase is a new unemployment office off I-985.

"We're finding a lot of residents from neighboring counties are actually coming to the Department of Labor office in Gainesville."

Even so, Gainesville is seeing more unemployment. Known for its place in the food processing industry, Evans says Hall County's service and medical sectors are helping to soften the blow.

Department of Labor numbers show more than 1750 people filed for new claims in Gainesville in June.

Jim Burress, WABE News.