Laid-off workers filing for unemployment benefits rose by more than 18 percent in January over the month before.

89,659 laid-off workers filed initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits in January, an increase of 14,024, or 18.5 percent, from 75,635 in December. But, there was a decline of 5,605, or 5.9 percent, from 95,264 claims filed in January 2010.

And the new numbers from the state’s Labor Department show that of the 14 major metro areas across Georgia, only Columbus, Rome, and Savannah reported decreases in claims filed.

Of workers applying for benefits, many came from jobs in manufacturing, construction and administrative-support services industries.

State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler says he’s still concerned about the number of long-term jobless. "I am concerned that the number of long-term unemployed Georgians continues to increase. This is a sure sign that the state’s job market remains soft.”

More than 262,000 people fall in the category of out-of-work for 27 weeks or longer. That’s a 47 percent jump over one year’s time.

Contributors: Information from the Georgia Department of Labor

Tags: Georgia, economy, Georgia Department of Labor, unemployment benefits, jobless