From the JB Pritzker Administration, but not that nor he the Governor nor the Lt. Governor are quoted:
Small Decrease in Payroll Jobs, Slight Increase in Unemployment Rate in February
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was 5.0 percent in February, up +0.1 percentage point from January, and up +0.3 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised January unemployment rate was 4.9 percent.
Total nonfarm payrolls decreased over-the-month in February, down -17,800 (-0.3%) to 6,137,200.
The January monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +18,000 to +6,200.
The February payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs decreases included:
- Construction (-4,900),
- Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-4,800), and
- Information (-2,800).
The industry sectors with over-the-month jobs increases included:
- Government (+800) and
- Other Services (+700).
Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs were down -19,900 jobs.
The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included:
- Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-18,600),
- Professional and Business Services (-15,700), and
- Information (-3,700).
The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included:
- Private Education and Health Services (+16,500),
- Construction (+7,600) and
- Other Services (+2,100).
In February, total nonfarm payrolls were down -0.3 percent over-the-year in Illinois and up +0.1 percent in the nation.
“Rising unemployment and jobs decreases reflect the economic instability coming out of Washington right now,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “The Trump Administration’s policies are creating real headwinds for states and working families across the country. In Illinois, we’re staying focused on fiscal discipline and long-term growth to mitigate those impacts and keep our economy moving forward.”
“The State is committed to increasing economic development and job opportunities for Illinoisians,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “It is foundational to DCEO’s mission to prioritize initiatives and programs that invest in our state’s biggest asset – our workforce – ensuring all Illinoisians have the support and resources they need to succeed.”
The number of unemployed persons in February was 328,400, up +3.0% from January, and up +5.6% over the same month one year ago. The labor force was up +0.1% from January and down -1.0% 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 55,933 posted resumes with 69,157 jobs available. Additionally, in partnership with IDOL and DCEO, IDES published resources to assist federal employees and contractors impacted by recent terminations or deferred resignations.
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