| Unemployment Rates Down in All Metro Areas May was the fifteenth 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 of Illinois’s 102 counties. Not seasonally adjusted data compares May 2015 with May 2014. May was the fifteenth 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 of Illinois’s 102 counties. Not seasonally adjusted data compares May 2015 with May 2014. Illinois businesses added jobs in seven metros. The largest increases were seen in: Kankakee (+2.5 percent, +1,100), Elgin Metro Division (+2.3 percent, +5,900) and Danville (+2.1 percent, +600). The Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division was up +1.2 percent or +44,400. Decreases were seen in: Decatur (-1.6 percent, -800), Peoria (-1.4 percent, -2,500) and Carbondale-Marion (-1.3 percent, -700). The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metros were Transportation, Warehousing and Public Utilities (ten of 14), Retail Trade (eight of 14) and Educational and Health Services (eight of 14). “Three metro areas in the northeast region of the state have reached prerecession employment levels, eleven metro areas continue to fall short,” IDES Director Jeff Mays said. “The need for a full statewide recovery remains.” The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 5.6 percent in May 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 5.3 percent in May 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 not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 5.3 percent in May 2015 from 6.5 percent in May 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. Workforce conditions have steadily improved during the past year in Southern Illinois. Over the year, employment gains were reported in Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Professional-Business Services. Seasonal payroll advances were reported in Leisure-Hospitality and Other Services. Construction activity remained at high levels as favorable weather conditions prevailed. Government payrolls continued to gradually decline in Southern Illinois. Numerous employment opportunities were available in Health Care and Transportation in May 2015. Job openings were advertised in Office and Administrative Support, Sales, and Management occupations. Career prospects were favorable in Education, Food Service, Production, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair occupations. Workers were also needed for Building and Grounds Maintenance. 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) – May 2015
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates (percent) for Local Counties and Areas
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