Unemployment rates jumped in all of Georgia’s metro areas in June.

The state Labor Department blamed the rise on a growing labor force in most areas along with some layoffs in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Dalton and Savannah. The Athens, Brunswick and Valdosta areas saw some seasonal layoffs in June.

The Columbus area saw the largest increase, posting a jobless rate of 9.8 percent. That’s up 1.1 percentage points.

Athens jumped a full point to 7.5 percent unemployment. Augusta, Dalton and Valdosta each increased nine-tenths of a point.

Metro area unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

Overall, the state’s jobless rate climbed to 9 percent in June.

Labor Commissioner Mark Butler has pointed to new graduates, summer job seekers and annual layoffs from public and private schools for the increase. And he said last week the rate traditionally climbs in June.

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