Prince George, B.C. – The unemployment rates in Prince George and the Cariboo Region increased in January compared to the same month one year ago. The Prince George rate last month was 8.1 percent compared to 6.1 in January 2011. On a monthly basis the rate went up from the 7.5 recorded in December 2011. The statistics show the while the number of employed stayed about the same, there were more people looking for work.

The rate in the Cariboo Region was pegged at 7.5 percent last month compared to 7.2 in January last year.