Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) reported a slight decrease in nonfarm payrolls for November, with a reduction of 3,400 jobs. The state's unemployment rate remained steady at 5.3%, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Revisions to October's figures showed an increase in payrolls from the initially reported loss of 2,400 jobs to a gain of 8,400 jobs. The unemployment rate for October was confirmed at 5.3%.

Significant job losses were noted in sectors such as Construction (-2,700), Professional and Business Services (-2,400), Manufacturing (-1,400), and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-1,400). Meanwhile, gains were observed in Leisure and Hospitality (+2,000), Other Services (+1,100), and Private Education and Health Services (+1,000).

Deputy Governor Andy Manar stated that "Illinois remains committed and focused on investing in continued workforce development." He emphasized the role of IDES in bridging jobseekers with employers.

DCEO Director Kristin Richards highlighted the collaborative efforts with IDES to support job creation across various sectors: "Together with our workforce partners...we are working to support a variety of sectors that create good-paying jobs for Illinoisans."

The state's unemployment rate was higher than the national average by 1.1 percentage points. Nationally, the unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.2% in November.

Year-over-year comparisons showed an increase of 42,600 nonfarm payroll jobs in Illinois. Government (+27,100) led these increases followed by Private Education and Health Services (+25,100). However, declines were seen in Professional and Business Services (-12,400) among others.

IDES continues its efforts to connect jobseekers with employment opportunities through events like job fairs and its online platform Illinois JobLink (IJL). Currently IJL lists over 73,000 available positions.

For more information about IDES services or recent updates visit their official website.