Illinois Up +95,900 Jobs Since Recovery Began
CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–January 20, 2012. The December unemployment rate fell to 9.8 percent and the state shed 4,100 jobs, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The data is seasonally adjusted. The unemployment rate averaged 9.4 percent in 2011, down 0.9 percentage points from 2010.
“Illinois’ economy continues to take positive steps forward despite the pressures of an uneven national recovery,” IDES Director Jay Rowell said. “Illinois has recorded job growth in seven of 12 months. We have averaged 4,400 new jobs each month in 2011. Monthly snapshots are just that, but looking at long-term trends reveals the path we are taking. Our long-term growth trajectory shows Illinois’ economy moving forward and in the right direction.”
Illinois added +52,600 jobs in 2011 and +95,900 jobs since January 2010 when job growth returned to Illinois after 23 consecutive months of declines. Since January 2010, leading growth sectors in Illinois are Professional and Business Services (+49,600); Educational and Health Services (+38,900); Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+20,300); and Manufacturing (+19,400). Government has lost the most jobs since January 2010, down -13,400.
In December 2011, unemployed individuals decreased for the second consecutive month, down 13,100 (-2.0 percent) to 647,300. Total unemployed has declined -92,800 (-12.5 percent) since January 2010 when the state unemployment rate peaked at 11.2 percent. 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.
The IDES supports economic stability by administering unemployment benefits, collecting business contributions to fund those benefits, connecting employers with qualified job seekers, and providing economic information to assist career planning and economic development. It does so through nearly 60 offices, including Illinois workNet centers.
Source: illinois.gov
