Prairie State Wire

Total nonfarm payroll employment in Illinois showed little change in July, with a decrease of 2,500 jobs, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The revised figure for June's job growth was also lower than initially reported, changing from an increase of 9,400 jobs to 2,300.

Several sectors saw gains over the month. Construction added 2,900 jobs, Trade, Transportation and Utilities increased by 1,700 positions, and Private Education and Health Services grew by 1,100 jobs. However, Professional and Business Services lost 3,500 jobs; Government employment declined by 2,900; and Leisure and Hospitality dropped by 1,200 positions.

Over the past year, total nonfarm payrolls rose by 20,300 jobs in Illinois. The largest annual increases were in Private Education and Health Services (+17,400), Government (+7,900), and Information (+3,900). At the same time, Professional and Business Services (-11,000), Manufacturing (-5,400), and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-1,700) experienced declines. Overall payrolls increased by 0.3 percent year-over-year in Illinois compared to a national rise of one percent.

The state’s unemployment rate remained at 4.6 percent in July based on preliminary figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is unchanged from June’s revised rate. These estimates reflect labor market activity during the week including July 12.

“The continued stability in Illinois’ unemployment rate and labor market highlights the strength of our state’s workforce," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "Through strategic investment and strong partnerships, we remain focused on expanding opportunities and supporting long-term economic growth across all communities.”

DCEO Director Kristin Richards commented: “The continued stability in Illinois’ unemployment rate and payroll numbers reflects the strength of our state’s economy. As we build on this steady progress, DCEO remains committed to supporting job creation and retention for businesses across Illinois.”

There were about 300,700 unemployed workers statewide last month—a decline of about two percent from June—and down more than eleven percent compared to July last year. The size of the labor force fell slightly both over-the-month (-0.2%) and over-the-year (-0.6%). The unemployment rate measures people who are out of work but actively seeking employment; those who have exhausted benefits or are not eligible continue to be counted if they search for work.

IDES continues efforts to connect jobseekers with employers through job fairs as well as its online platform Illinois JobLink, which currently lists tens of thousands of available positions alongside posted resumes from prospective employees.

For more information about IDES services—including labor market analysis tools—visit IDES.Illinois.gov.