The number of workers filing first-time unemployment claims in Polk County rose from 306 in August to 370 in September, an increase of 20.9 percent, the Georgia Department of Labor announced today. First-time claims were up 70.5 percent over this time last year, when 217 workers filed.

The situation was a little worse in other nearby counties.

First-time unemployment claims in Rome rose from 609 in August to 892 in September, an increase of 46.5 percent. Claims had nearly doubled from the same time last year, when 460 workers had filed claims.

Other area counties with big jumps in first-time claims include Walker, which increased 60.5 percent since last month and 152.4 percent since last year; and Whitfield, with an increase of 124.3 percent over the month and 109.2 percent over the year.

Statewide, 56,652 laid-off workers filed first-time claims, an increase of 76.3 percent from 2007.

“For the second consecutive month, initial claims have risen by more than 70 percent over the year,” said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. “Georgia is in the midst of a challenging economic environment.”

According to the Department of Labor, layoffs have hit the manufacturing, construction, trade and service sectors especially hard.