Payroll jobs in Illinois increased by 11,800 in December, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The state’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.6 percent, up 0.2 percentage points from November but down 0.3 percentage points compared to December of the previous year. The revised unemployment rate for November remained at 4.4 percent.
The report shows that sectors such as Leisure and Hospitality, Private Education and Health Services, and Government saw the largest job gains over the month, with increases of 7,100; 4,000; and 2,800 jobs respectively. Meanwhile, Trade, Transportation and Utilities lost 3,400 jobs; Manufacturing decreased by 2,500; and Construction dropped by 700 positions.
On a year-over-year basis, total nonfarm payroll jobs were nearly unchanged in Illinois but up by 0.4 percent nationally. The state experienced an overall decline of 1,700 jobs compared to last December. Notable annual gains occurred in Private Education and Health Services (+17,800), Construction (+7,900), and Information (+4,500). The largest losses were reported in Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-17,600), Manufacturing (-9,300), and Professional and Business Services (-6,000).
Deputy Governor Andy Manar commented on the economic climate: “Ongoing headwinds driven in large part by actions at the federal level are creating uncertainty for businesses and workers as they make decisions about investment and hiring,” he said. “This instability is making it harder for employers to plan and for workers to feel secure. Illinois is stepping in where it can as a stabilizing force by strengthening our workforce, supporting employers, and investing in long-term economic growth. We remain focused on building a resilient economy that creates opportunity for Illinois workers across the state.”
DCEO Director Kristin Richards added: “DCEO is committed to continuing our strategic efforts to increase economic opportunity for hard-working Illinoisans,” she said. “The state’s wide range of economic development initiatives and programs are critical to strengthening Illinois’ economic ecosystem.”
The number of unemployed people in December was reported at 301,800—an increase of 4.6 percent from November but a decrease of 8.1 percent compared to last year. The labor force remained stable month-to-month but declined by 1.6 percent over the year.
IDES continues its efforts to connect jobseekers with employers through various initiatives including job fairs and its online platform Illinois JobLink (IJL). As of the latest update on IJL there were nearly 50,000 posted resumes with more than 66,000 available jobs.
IDES also provides resources for federal employees affected by recent employment changes through partnerships with other state agencies.
For more information about IDES services or recent labor market data visit IDES.Illinois.gov.
