Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has reported an increase in the state's unemployment rate, which rose by 0.2 percentage points to 4.6% in October. This rise accompanies a decrease in nonfarm payrolls by 15,000 jobs during the same period, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The revised unemployment rate for September remained at 4.4%, while the monthly change in payrolls was adjusted from an initial increase of 9,500 jobs to 11,400 jobs. The latest figures for October cover activities during the week that includes the 12th of the month.

Significant declines were observed in several industry sectors: Professional and Business Services lost 6,700 jobs, Manufacturing decreased by 5,300 jobs, and both Financial Activities and Educational and Health Services saw reductions of 2,900 jobs each. Conversely, Government employment increased by 4,200 positions, Leisure and Hospitality added 1,500 jobs, and Construction gained 700 jobs.

Deputy Governor Andy Manar emphasized IDES's commitment to assisting jobseekers: “As jobseekers continue to look for their next career opportunities, IDES stands ready to assist individuals with their searches and provide services, resources, and collaborative measures to match them with employers.”

DCEO Director Kristin Richards highlighted ongoing efforts: “The State of Illinois continues to prioritize jobseekers, employees and employers by providing a multitude of resources, services and opportunities.”

Illinois' unemployment rate is currently higher than the national average by 0.7 percentage points; nationally it stood at 3.9% in October after a slight increase from September. The state's current unemployment rate matches that of a year ago when it was also recorded at 4.6%.

Over the past year, nonfarm payrolls have grown by approximately 65,300 jobs across most major industries in Illinois. Notable increases were seen in Educational and Health Services with an addition of 34,900 jobs; Government with an increase of 28,200; and Leisure and Hospitality gaining 25,200 positions. However, Professional and Business Services faced a decline of 16,900 jobs over the year.

The number of unemployed workers reached approximately 296,600 in October—a rise of about five percent from September but a reduction compared to last year’s figures for the same month.

In response to employment challenges during June 2020 amid COVID-19 impacts on labor markets statewide—Governor Pritzker launched "Get Hired Illinois," designed as an online platform aimed at connecting job seekers directly with potential employers through virtual job fairs alongside free training opportunities available via IllinoisJobLink.com (IJL).

For further details regarding employment statistics or support offered through IDES including upcoming events like Job Fairs—or updates concerning state labor market conditions—interested parties can visit IDES.Illinois.gov.