The Georgia Department of Labor announced today that Metro Columbus’ unemployment rate increased to 8.0 percent in May, up eight-tenths of a percentage point from 7.2 percent in April. The rate was 8.2 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 787, up to 130,807 in May from 130,020 in April.

While the rate rose, the number of jobs increased by 200, or 0.2 percent, to 122,600 in May from 122,400 in April. Most of the job increases were in leisure and hospitality.

And, over the year, the number of jobs increased by 700, or 0.6 percent, from 121,900 in May 2013. The job gainers were in professional and business services and leisure and hospitality.

Also, there were 899 new claims for unemployment insurance filed in May, an increase of 117, or 15 percent, from 782 in April. Most of the increase in claims came in manufacturing and accommodations and food services. There were 838 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.