The unemployment rates dropped in the metropolitan Macon and Warner Robins in November from October.

The preliminary unemployment rate in metro Macon declined to 8.7 percent in November down from 9 percent in October, according to a news release from the Georgia Department of Labor. The rate was 9.4 percent in November 2011.

“The rate declined because of job growth and fewer new layoffs, represented by first-time claims for unemployment insurance benefits,” the release stated.

There was an increase of 400 new jobs in the Macon area, from 98,800 in October to 99,200 in November. Most of the growth came in retail trade. The number of jobs had increased 2.2 percent from November last year which was at 97,100.

The preliminary unemployment rate in metro Warner Robins declined to 7 percent in November, down from 7.2 percent in October. The rate was 7.3 percent in November 2011.

There were 215 fewer new claims for unemployment benefits, the release stated.

Metro Athens had the lowest area jobless rate at 6.2 percent, while metro Dalton had the highest at 11 percent.

Local area unemployment data are not seasonally adjusted. Georgia labor market data are available at www.dol.state.ga.us.

To contact writer Linda S. Morris, call 744-4223.