ATLANTA — The Georgia Department of Labor announced that 59,090 laid-off workers filed first-time claims for unemployment insurance benefits in August, an increase of 72.1 percent from August 2007. From July to August, the initial claims declined from 59,165, a drop of one-tenth of one percent.

“The August increase is the largest over-the year increase in initial claims since October of 2001 when we began experiencing significant layoffs following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks,” said State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond.

“Throughout the state, tens of thousands of hardworking Georgians are being laid off because of deteriorating economic conditions,” Thurmond continued.

“The Georgia Department of Labor is committed to doing everything we can to provide assistance and support through these difficult times.”

During the past year, layoffs have come across-the-board in manufacturing, construction, trade and services. And, the total number of individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits was up 39 percent over the year, from 57,704 in August of 2007 to 80,150 in August of 2008.