The unemployment rate in Illinois rose slightly in May to 4.9% while nonfarm jobs increased by +12,700, according to the preliminary jobs report by Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), which is based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary data.
IDES also reported on Friday, June 21, that the revised April unemployment rate remained at 4.8% while payroll totals were changed from that month’s preliminary report, decreasing from +7,300 to +1,900 new jobs.
In May, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Professional and Business Services, +7,100; Government, +3,300; and Financial Activities, +2,400. The industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included: Manufacturing, -2,300; Leisure and Hospitality; -1,200, Construction; -100; and Mining -100.
The May unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimate reflect activity for the week including May 12.
“Steady, consistent job growth continues to benefit the Illinois labor market, further evidenced by individuals who are entering the job market and capitalizing on these new and expanded career opportunities,” Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said in the news release. “IDES remains committed to assisting job seekers and employers with the resources they need to participate in the expanding economy.”
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards added
“Illinois continues to make positive strides with steady job growth across multiple key industry sectors. Looking ahead, DCEO continues to provide important resources and programs to support job seekers, workers and employers throughout the state.”
Over-the-year rate up
Illinois’ unemployment rate was +0.9 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate reported for May. The national rate was 4% in May, up +0.1 percentage point from the previous month. The Illinois unemployment rate was up +0.7 percentage point from a year ago when it was 4.2%.
Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs in Illinois increased by +43,900 jobs. The industry groups with the largest job increases included: Private Education and Health Services, +29,200; Government, +28,600; and Leisure and Hospitality, +13,900.
The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases year-over-year included: Professional and Business Services, -24,800; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, -6,600; and Financial Activities, -4,500.
In May, total nonfarm payrolls were up +0.7% over-the-year in Illinois and up +1.8% in the nation.
The number of unemployed Illinois workers was 317,400, up +1.3% from the prior month, and up +17.8% over the same month one year ago. The labor force was up +0.2% over-the-month and up +1.4% over-the-year.
The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and seeking employment. An individual who exhausts or is ineligible for benefits is still reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.
Not seasonally adjusted jobs data with industry detail is available here. “Other Services” include activities in three broad categories: personal and laundry; repair and maintenance; and religious, grant making, civic and professional organizations. Seasonally adjusted data for subsectors within industries are not available.
IDES provides services to Illinois workers, jobseekers, and employers with resources including Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, and WorkShare IL, analyzes and disseminates actionable Labor Market Information, and administers the Unemployment Insurance Program. To see the full range of services, and for the latest news concerning the department, visit IDES.Illinois.gov.
