Illinois Metros See Minimal Job Growth; Seven Metro Areas Lose Jobs Unemployment rates in Illinois fell in 12 metro areas, increased in one and remained the same in one. Unemployment rates in Illinois fell in 12 metro areas, increased in one and remained the same in one. Seven metro areas across the state saw job loss 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). Not seasonally adjusted data compares October 2015 with October 2014. Illinois businesses lost jobs in seven metro areas including the Quad Cities (-2.1 percent, -3,900), Carbondale-Marion (-1.6 percent, -900), and Peoria (-1.0 percent, -1,800). Illinois businesses added jobs in six metros, in which the largest increases were seen in: Danville (+1.7 percent, +500), Elgin (+1.6 percent, +4,200), and Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division (+1.4 percent or +49,600). The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metros were: Retail Trade (nine of 14), Leisure and Hospitality (nine of 14), Transportation, Warehousing and Public Utilities (eight of 14), and Education and Health Services (eight of 14). “We are thankful for every single job we have gained since the national recovery began in July 2009,” IDES Director Jeff Mays said. “However, at Thanksgiving 2015, too few Illinois residents are feeling this turnaround.” The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 5.3 percent in October 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 4.8 percent in October 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 was 6.1 percent in October 2015 in the Carbondale-Marion Metropolitan Statistical Area (Jackson and Williamson Counties). In October 2014, the jobless rate was also 6.1 percent. Unemployment decreased in 12 of 21 counties in Southern Illinois when compared to one year ago. Labor market conditions have stabilized during the past year in Southern Illinois. Over the year, employment gains were reported in Retail Trade and Transportation. Employment in Health Care Services continued to increase. Payroll advances were also reported in Professional-Business Services and Leisure-Hospitality. Construction activity remained at significant levels throughout the fall of 2015. Mining and Government employment declined during the past year. Numerous employment opportunities were available in Health Care, Transportation, and Sales in the fall of 2015. Job openings were advertised in Office and Administrative Support, Management and Production occupations. Career prospects were favorable in Food Service, Productions, Business and Finance, Social Services, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair occupations. Workers were also needed for Computer and Engineering 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. Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) – October 2015
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates (percent) for Local Counties and Areas
Note: Monthly 2014 unemployment rates and total non-farm jobs for Illinois metro areas were revised in February 2015, as required by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Comments and tables distributed for prior metro area news releases should be discarded as any records or historical analysis previously cited may no longer be valid. Published: 11/30/15 |