The Georgia Department of Labor announced today that Metro Valdosta’s unemployment rate increased to 7.6 percent in May, up nine-tenths of a percentage point from 6.7 percent in April. The rate was 8.0 percent in May a year ago.

The rate increase was seasonal, as new graduates entered the labor force looking for full-time work, while other students searched for part-time summer jobs. The labor force rose by 824, up to 66,825 in May from 66,001 in April.

While the rate rose, the number of jobs increased by 300, or 0.6 percent, to 54,800 in May from 54,500 in April. Most of the job increases came in local government and the goods-producing sector, which includes manufacturing and construction.

And, over the year, the number of jobs increased by 1,000, or 1.9 percent, from 53,800 in May 2013. The job gainers were in trade, transportation, and warehousing and the goods-producing sector, which includes manufacturing and construction.

Also, there were 456 new claims for unemployment insurance filed in May, an increase of 48, or 11.8 percent, from 408 in April. Most of the increase in claims came in accommodations and food services. There were 602 claims filed in May 2013.

Metro Athens had the lowest area jobless rate at 5.7 percent, while the Heart of Georgia-Altamaha region had the highest at 9.8 percent.

Meanwhile, Georgia’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for May was 7.2 percent, up from 6.9 percent in April. The rate was 8.4 percent in May a year ago.

Local area unemployment data are not seasonally adjusted. Georgia labor market data are available at www.employgeorgia.com.