Unemployment has increased in Northwest Georgia according to the latest report from the State Department of Labor. The jump to 11-percent in November is nearly a full percentage point higher than the 10.1 percent recorded in October. It even surpasses the November 2009 rate which was 10.9 percent.

The number of unemployed workers increased by more than four-thousand from October to November. Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond says he’s pleased that extended unemployment benefits have recently been approved. He says these benefits will help many qualified job-seekers provide food, clothing and shelter while they continue to seek employment.