Unemployment Rates Increase in Most Metro Areas A majority of Illinois’ metropolitan (metro) areas experienced increases in their over-the-year unemployment rate and half of the metro areas had increases in nonfarm jobs, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). A majority of Illinois’ metropolitan (metro) areas experienced increases in their over-the-year unemployment rate and half of the metro areas had increases in nonfarm jobs, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). “While some metro areas saw job growth, too many didn’t,” said IDES Director Jeff Mays. “Key structural reforms can help the state grow more jobs as we sharpen our efforts to help unemployed job-seekers get back to work.” Illinois businesses added jobs in seven metro areas, in which the largest increases were seen in: Lake-Kenosha (+2.2 percent, +9,000), Rockford (+1.6 percent, +2,400), and Elgin (+1.2 percent, +3,000). Total nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metro Division increased (+1.3 percent or +45,900). Illinois businesses lost jobs in seven metro areas including Bloomington (-2.9 percent, -2,800), Carbondale-Marion (-1.6 percent, -900), and the Quad Cities (-1.5 percent, -2,700). The industry sectors recording job growth in the majority of metro areas were: Education and Health Services (12 of 14), Retail Trade (10 of 14), Leisure and Hospitality (nine of 14), and Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities (eight of 14). Not seasonally adjusted data compares May 2016 with May 2015. The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 5.6 percent in May 2016 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.5 percent in May 2016 and 10.6 percent in January 2010 at its peak. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and looking for work, and is not tied to collecting unemployment insurance benefits. Southern Illinois Highlights
Note:
The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was increased to 6.1 percent in May 2016 from 5.6 percent in May 2015 in the Carbondale-Marion Metropolitan Statistical Area (Jackson and Williamson Counties). Unemployment increased throughout Southern Illinois when compared to one year ago. Stagnant workforce conditions prevailed in the first five months of 2016. Over the year, employment gains were reported in Retail Trade and Health Care Services. Manufacturing and Financial Activities firms also added workers. Seasonal payroll increases were reported in Construction, Retail Trade, and Recreation. Mining, Information and Government payrolls continued to decrease in Southern Illinois. Employment opportunities were available in Health Care, Transportation, and Sales in the spring of 2016. Job openings were advertised in Office and Administrative Support, Management, and Food Preparation occupations. Career prospects were favorable in Social Services, Business and Financial, Education, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair. Workers were also needed for Production, Health Care Support, Construction, and Building and Ground Maintenance. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.
Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) – May 2016
Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates (percent) for Local Counties and Areas
Published: 06/29/16 |