UI claims down 12.7 percent in Ga.; 36.5 percent in Gainesville

ATLANTA - First-time claims for unemployment insurance (UI) in Georgia were down 12.7 percent in December, compared to a year ago.<br /> <br /> State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Athens (down 48 percent), Warner Robins (down 41.2 percent), and Gainesville (down 36.5 percent) led in the decline in applications. <br /> <br /> The only one of Georgia's 14 metropolitan areas to report an increase was Hinesville - 15.8 percent.<br /> <br /> Butler said nearly half of the new applications were temporary claims filed mostly in textile manufacturing and construction due to seasonal layoffs. Additional temporary or partial claims were filed in administrative and support services and accommodations and food services.