Illinois Metro Unemployment Rates Drop; Job Growth Stalls March was the thirteenth month in a row that unemployment rates fell in every metro area in the state compared to a year ago, according to preliminary data released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). March was the thirteenth month in a row that unemployment rates fell in every metro area in the state compared to a year ago, according to preliminary data released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Rates also fell in all 102 counties for the twelfth consecutive month and the thirteenth time out of the past fifteen months. Not seasonally adjusted data compares March 2015 with March 2014. Illinois businesses added jobs in eight metros. The largest increases were seen in: Kankakee (+2.3 percent, +1,000), Rockford (+2.1 percent, +3,100) and Danville (+2.1 percent, +600). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division rose (+1.5 percent, +52,100). Decreases were seen in: Decatur (-1.6 percent, -800), Carbondale-Marion (-1.5 percent, -800) and Bloomington (-0.6 percent, -600). The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metros were Retail Trade (9 of 14), Transportation, Warehousing and Public Utilities (9 of 14), Education and Health Services (8 of 14) and Leisure and Hospitality (8 of 14). “It appears that the decline in the number of unemployed people has translated directly to the decline in the overall labor force both locally and statewide.” IDES Director Jeff Mays said. “This is very troubling and merits more study.” The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 6.3 percent in March 2015 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.6 percent in March and 10.6 percent in January 2010 at its peak. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and looking for work and is not tied to collecting unemployment insurance benefits. Southern Illinois Highlights The unemployment declined to 6.1 percent in March 2015 from 8.0 percent in March 2014 in the Carbondale-Marion Metropolitan Statistical Area (Jackson and Williamson Counties). Unemployment decreased in all 21 counties in Southern Illinois when compared to one year ago. Overall, labor market conditions have steadily improved during the past year in Southern Illinois. The data is not seasonally adjusted. Employment gains were reported in Retail Trade, Professional-Business Services and Health Care. Payroll advances also occurred in Transportation and Leisure-Hospitality. Construction activity increased as favorable weather conditions prevailed. Numerous employment opportunities were available in Health Care and Transportation in the first quarter of 2015. Job openings were advertised in Office and Administrative Support, Sales, and Management occupations. Career prospects were also available in Education, Food Service, Production, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair occupations. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work. The IDES supports economic stability by administering unemployment benefits, collecting business contributions to fund those benefits, connecting employers with qualified job seekers, and providing economic information to assist career planning and economic development. Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - March 2015
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates (percent) for Local Counties and Areas
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Published: 04/23/15 |