Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has reported a slight increase in the state's unemployment rate, which rose by 0.1 percentage point to 4.8% in February. This change comes alongside an increase of 23,100 nonfarm payroll jobs during the same month, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In January, the unemployment rate was revised to remain at 4.7%, while the monthly change in payrolls was adjusted from an initial report of a gain of 1,700 jobs to a loss of 900 jobs.

Several industry sectors saw notable job gains in February. The government sector added 6,700 jobs, construction gained 6,200 positions, and leisure and hospitality increased by 5,400 jobs. Conversely, some sectors experienced declines; trade, transportation and utilities lost 1,900 jobs, manufacturing decreased by 700 positions, and financial activities saw a reduction of 600 jobs.

Deputy Governor Andy Manar commented on the positive aspects of these developments: “Job growth throughout the state across industry sectors is a testament to the strength and stability of the diverse Illinois workforce.” He emphasized that ongoing investments in workforce development are providing new opportunities for both jobseekers and employers.

DCEO Director Kristin Richards highlighted her department's efforts: “DCEO is consistently prioritizing the development and implementation of strategies and programs to bolster our state's workforce and local economies.”

Despite these gains within certain industries, Illinois' unemployment rate remains higher than the national average by 0.9 percentage points. The national unemployment rate stood at 3.9% in February after rising by 0.2 percentage points from January.

Year-over-year comparisons show that nonfarm payrolls have increased by 13,500 jobs across various major industries in Illinois. Significant job increases were seen in government (26,700), educational and health services (23,400), and leisure and hospitality (10,300). However, there were also substantial decreases in professional and business services (-37,700), trade transportation and utilities (-8,100), and information (-7,700).

The number of unemployed workers reached approximately 308,900 in February—a rise of over one percent from January—and showed an increase of more than eleven percent compared to February last year.

Governor Pritzker's initiative "Get Hired Illinois," launched in June 2020 as a resource for connecting job seekers with employers through virtual job fairs and training opportunities continues to support those seeking employment via platforms like IllinoisJobLink.com.

For further details on employment services offered by IDES or updates regarding labor market information within Illinois visit their official website at IDES.Illinois.gov.