Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Valdosta added jobs and increased their labor force in October.
 
At the same time, the four-county metropolitan statistical area (MSA) saw their number of employed residents increase as well.
 
All major indicators remain positive for the year, with the exception of initial claims.
 
“This holiday season we have much to be thankful for,” Butler said. “The job market has been very robust this year. Our communities continue to grow and prosper.”
 
The October unemployment rate rose to 3.8.  That’s up 0.4 percent from the previous month but down from 4.4 percent one year ago.
 
The labor force increased in October by 836 to reach 65,206 total members.  The number has climbed by nearly 1,372 over the past 12 months.
 
Valdosta gained 530 employed residents in October, dropping its total to more than 62,705. That number has grown by about 1,706 over the past year.  
 
Valdosta saw jobs increase by 600 in October to reach 57,700, which puts Valdosta up 1,500 jobs for the year.
 
Initial claims for unemployment are up by about 68 percent for the month and are up by about 16 percent when compared to the same period a year ago.