The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) recently announced that the state’s unemployment rate was 5.1% in April, unchanged from March, and up +0.6 percentage point from the same month a year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The revised March unemployment rate was 5.1%.
“April’s numbers show continued resilience in parts of Illinois’ economy, with growth in several key sectors,” Illinois Deputy Governor Andy Manar said in the recent IDES news release. “At the same time, continued uncertainty coming from the federal government and other mixed economic indicators reinforce the need to continue investing in long-term growth, and maintain the fiscal discipline that has strengthened Illinois’ economic foundation.”
Total nonfarm payrolls increased over-the-month, up +11,400 (+0.2%) to 6,158,800 in April. The March monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +8,400 to +10,300. The April payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs increases included: Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+4,600), Leisure and Hospitality (+3,300), and Private Education and Health Services (+3,100). The sectors with over-the-month jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-2,400), Financial Activities (-1,400), and Government (-200).
Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs were down -4,500 jobs. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+20,100), Construction (+7,300) and Other Services (+3,100). The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-14,300), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-9,900), and Financial Activities (-6,900). In April, total nonfarm payrolls were down -0.1 percent over-the-year in Illinois and up +0.2 percent in the nation.
“Illinois’ payroll gains in April are a result of the strategic investments the State of Illinois is making in key industry sectors while supporting our world-class workforce,” DCEO Director Kristin Richards said in the release issued Thursday, May 21. “With a commitment to bolstering economic development, the State will continue to create opportunity as it supports employers and employees throughout Illinois.”
The number of unemployed persons in April was 337,300, up +0.8% from March, and up +12.7% over the same month one year ago. The labor force was down -0.2% from March and down -0.8% 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.
