Illinois Payroll Jobs, Unemployment Rate Up in June

Contact: Rebecca Cisco  |  217-524-1219  |  PDF Version

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate increased +0.1 percentage point to 5.0 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +10,400 in June, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES.  The May revised unemployment rate was 4.9 percent, unchanged from the preliminary May unemployment rate.  The May monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +12,700 to +9,600 jobs.  The June unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

In June, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Private Education and Health Services (+7,100), Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+3,200), and Government (+2,800).  The industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included Leisure and Hospitality (-1,800), Information (-1,100), and Professional and Business Services (-1,000).

“Stable payroll job growth remains a positive component of the Illinois economy, further encouraging and stimulating participation in the state’s labor force,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.  “As jobs continue to expand, creating new and diverse career opportunities, IDES stands ready to assist workers and employers with the necessary assistance to jump into the workforce.”

“Illinois’ labor market remains strong with consistent growth in payroll jobs,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards.  “DCEO will continue to provide its world-class workforce, employers and job seekers with the tools and resources needed to contribute to the state’s growing economy.”

The state’s unemployment rate was +0.9 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate reported for June.  The national unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in June, 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 4.3 percent.

Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +24,200 jobs.  The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+26,400), Government (+26,400), and Other Services (+8,500).  The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-27,000), Financial Activities (-7,500), and Information (-5,300).  In June, total nonfarm payrolls were up +0.4 percent over-the-year in Illinois and up +1.7 percent in the nation.

The number of unemployed workers was 327,900, up +3.3 percent from the prior month, and up +18.7 percent over the same month one year ago.  The labor force was up +0.1 percent over-the-month and up +1.4 percent 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.

IDES helps connect jobseekers to employers who are hiring in a number of ways, including hosting and co-hosting job fairs and hiring events with statewide workforce partners, and through maintaining Illinois JobLink (IJL), the state’s largest job search engine.  IJL is a tool used by jobseekers to look for work, and by employers who can post open and available positions for hire and browse resumes.  Recently, IJL showed 58,973 posted resumes with 85,187 jobs available.

Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates - See PDF

Illinois Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Jobs – by Major Industry  - See PDF

About the Department of Employment Security

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provides vital employment 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 provided by IDES, and for the latest news concerning the department, visit IDES.Illinois.gov.