The unemployment rate in metro areas around Georgia rose or remain unchanged in May, mirroring a slight increase in the state’s overall jobless figure.

The Augusta metro area saw the largest increase in unemployment last month, posting a 9 percent jobless rate. That’s up six-tenths of a percent over April, The state Labor Department attributes the jump to 1,700 layoffs, mostly in service-related jobs.

Unemployment also increased in Macon, Rome and Columbus. Labor officials say those higher rates – and most of the jumps around the state – are due to more people out looking for jobs.

Unemployment held steady in Athens, Brunswick, Dalton, Gainesville and Savannah in May.

Tags: unemployment, Georgia Department of Labor, Augusta unemployment, Georgia unemployment rate, jobless rates