Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that the Central Savannah River region gained employed residents and added to its labor force in October.
 
At the same time, the 13-county area saw the unemployment rate increase.  All 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 increased to 4.1 percent, up by .3 from August. It was 5.1 percent one year ago. The rate increased in October for all 12 regions.
 
The labor force climbed in October by 1,187 to reach 221,144 total members. The number has climbed by 1,410 over the past 12 months, or an average gain of about 115 per month.
 
The Central Savannah River region gained 515 employed residents in October , pushing its total to 203,424. That number has grown by 3,447 over the past year, or an average monthly gain of about 285.  
 
Initial claims for unemployment climbed by about 27 percent for the month. They are down by about 20 percent when compared to last October.