AMARILLO, TX -- Figures show more than 7,800 people were without jobs in the panhandle in January.  It's now at 6%, up from December's 5.4%

Officials say it's because seasonal hiring in December did not continue into January.

But, the climbing unemployment is expected to level off by April.  "Just in the last couple of weeks, some companies we lost are rehiring, Owens Corning is bringing new folks back on into the work force. Obviously groundbreaking for companies and wind energy businesses that are planning to move into the area," said Trent Morris, the Director of Workforce Solutions.

Companies that do hire the unemployed can be eligible to receive a $2,000 bonus from workforce solutions.  Amarillo still has the lowest rates in the state.