The Illinois unemployment rate held steady at 4.6% in July over the previous month as total nonfarm payroll jobs were largely unchanged, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) said in its monthly report.
The numbers are based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The July payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
The June monthly change in payrolls also was revised from the preliminary report from +9,400 to +2,300, according to an IDES news release sent Monday, Aug. 18.
Industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job increases included: Construction, +2,900; Trade, Transportation and Utilities, +1,700; and Private Education and Health Services, +1,100. Sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services, -3,500; Government, -2,900; and Leisure and Hospitality, -1,200.
Over-the-year total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +20,300 jobs. Industry groups with the largest job increases included: Private Education and Health Services,+17,400; Government, +7,900; and Information, +3,900.
Sectors that saw jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services, -11,000; Manufacturing, -5,400; and Trade, Transportation and Utilities, -1,700. In July, total Illinois nonfarm payrolls were up +0.3% over-the-year and up +1.0% in the nation.
State’s workforce strong
“The continued stability in Illinois’ unemployment rate and labor market highlights the strength of our state’s workforce,” Illinois Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said in the release. “Through strategic investment and strong partnerships, we remain focused on expanding opportunities and supporting long-term economic growth across all communities.”
Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards said the state’s stable unemployment rate and payroll numbers reflect “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.”
IDES also reported the number of unemployed workers in the state was down -300,700, or -2.1% from the prior month. They were down -11.1% over the same month one year ago. The labor force decreased -0.2% over-the-month and was down -0.6% 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 rate if they actively seek work.
IDES helps connect jobseekers to employers who are hiring through job fairs and hiring events with statewide workforce partners. It also maintains Illinois JobLink (IJL), the state’s largest job search engine.
Recently, IJL showed 63,551 posted resumes with 66,426 jobs available. Additionally, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Labor and DCEO, IDES published resources to assist federal employees and contractors impacted by recent terminations or deferred resignations.
