Unemployment increased slightly in Douglas County in October but was the result of a positive trend, a state spokesman said.

The rate increased from 8.5 percent in September to 8.6 percent in October as the number of employed and unemployed residents increased, said Georgia Department of Labor spokesman Sam Hall.

“This also means the labor force increased, which is a positive, as it implies people are entering the workforce with more optimism of finding a job,” Hall said.

The labor force – the total of all employed or actively seeking work – increased from 69,031 in September to 69,424 in October.

The number of employed Douglas Countians increased from 63,148 in September to 63,482 in October. The number of unemployed residents increased from 5,883 to 5,942.

Douglas County industries which saw an increase in the number of initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits in October included construction, retail trade, and administrative and support services, Hall said.

The total number of initial claims filed for jobless benefits were up 96 from September to October in Douglas County; from 485 filings in September to 581 in October.

However, October’s jobless rate was 1.4 percent lower than October 2011 when the unemployment rate was 10.0 percent and 607 residents filed for jobless benefits — both of which show the job market is stronger than at the same time a year ago, he noted.

Neighboring counties and their October unemployment rates included Cobb, 7.5 percent; Paulding, 8.0; Carroll, 8.9; and Fulton, 9.0 percent.

The highest county rate was found in Hancock County in middle Georgia, 23.3 percent. The lowest rate was in Oconee County near Athens, 5.0 percent.