Central IL sees slight increase in unemployment, steady statewide in July

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Despite the steady numbers across the state, areas like Springfield, Decatur and Champaign all saw slight jumps in their unemployment rates last month.

Last month’s inflation numbers in Illinois were relatively stable, and that seems to be the case in the labor market as well. The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced that total nonfarm payrolls were nearly unchanged in June: down 2,500 (0.0%) to 6,165,600. The June monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report: +9,400 to +2,300.

The industry sectors with largest over-the-month job increases included:

• Construction (+2,900)
• Trade, transportation and utilities (+1,700)
• Private education and health services (+1,100)

On the other hand, the sectors with the largest decreases were:

• Professional and business services (-3,500)
• Government (-2,900)
• Leisure and hospitality (-1,200)

The IDES also said there are 20,300 more nonfarm payroll jobs now, compared to a year ago. The largest growing industries include the following:

• Private education and health services (+17,400)
• Government (+7,900)
• Information (+3,900)

On the other end, the industry sectors with largest decreases in monthly payroll jobs include:

• Professional and business services (-11,000)
• Manufacturing (-5,400)
• Trade, transportation and utilities (-1,700)

Even with unemployment slightly up in some Central Illinois areas, there is good news: the unemployment numbers year-to-year are down in Springfield, Decatur and Champaign by more than 1%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

“The continued stability in Illinois’ unemployment rate and labor market highlights the strength of our state’s workforce,” Deputy Governor Andy Manar said in a news release. “Through strategic investment and strong partnerships, we remain focused on expanding opportunities and supporting long-term economic growth across all communities.”

Illinois’ unemployment rate was 4.6% in July, the same as it was in June, based on preliminary data provided by BLS. The revised June unemployment rate was also unchanged at 4.6%.