While Illinois’ nonfarm payrolls grew by 12,700 jobs in March, the state’s unemployment rate remained flat at 4.8%, according to statistics from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The monthly unemployment report, released Friday, April 19, is based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. […]
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While Illinois’ nonfarm payrolls grew by 12,700 jobs in March, the state’s unemployment rate remained flat at 4.8%, according to statistics from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
The monthly unemployment report, released Friday, April 19, is based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES.
In the same news release, IDES said that the February revised unemployment rate was unchanged – at 4.8% – from the preliminary February unemployment rate. The February monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +23,100 to +26,700 jobs.
The March unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimates reflect activity for the week including March 12.
According to IDES, the state’s industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains in March included: Government (+3,300); Leisure and Hospitality (+2,900); and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+2,400). Those sectors with monthly payroll job declines in March included: Financial Activities (-1,100), and Mining (-100).
“Growth in payroll jobs throughout industry sectors continues to fuel the strength of the Illinois labor market and statewide economy,” Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said in the release. “Newly created jobs mean more opportunities for the diverse and talented Illinois workforce, and IDES remains committed to providing critical resources that bridge jobseekers and employers.”
State unemployment up
The state’s March unemployment rate was +1.0 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate of 3.8%, which was down -0.1 percentage point from February. Illinois’ unemployment rate in March also was up +0.6 percentage point from a year ago when it was 4.2%.
Compared to a year ago, the state’s nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +26,100 jobs, with gains across most major industries, IDES said. The industries with the largest increases in jobs included: Government (+30,100); Private Education and Health Services (+24,000); and Leisure and Hospitality (+12,900). The industries with the largest decreases in jobs in the month were: Professional and Business Services (-37,600); Information (-6,500); and Financial Activities (-4,700). In March, total nonfarm payrolls were up +0.4% over-the-year in Illinois and up +1.9% in the nation.
“Continued growth in payroll jobs serves as a testament to Illinois companies continuing to invest in our communities and workforce,” Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards said in the release. “Looking ahead, DCEO will continue to support Illinois job creators and ensure jobseekers have the resources and tools they need to be successful.”
The number of unemployed Illinois workers in March was 312,200, which was up +1.1% from the prior month, and up +15.5% over the same month one year ago. The labor force was up +0.1% over-the-month and up +1.2% over-the-year.
IDES helps connect job seekers to employers who are hiring including hosting and co-hosting job fairs and hiring events and through maintaining Illinois JobLink (IJL), the state’s largest job search engine. Recently, IJL showed 59,280 posted resumes with 92,511 jobs available.
