Illinois’ job market presented a mixed bag in December, as the state saw a slight uptick in the unemployment rate alongside modest job growth, according to recent data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The unemployment rate nudged up by 0.1 percentage point to 4.8 percent, while nonfarm payrolls added 1,200 jobs, IDES reported in a press release.
The increase in unemployment comes even as certain sectors, like Leisure and Hospitality, Educational and Health Services, and Government, seek to aggressively fill positions, adding 3,300, 1,700, and 1,100 jobs respectively. However, this was offset by job losses in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, which shed 4,900 jobs, and in the Information sector, which lost 1,200 positions.
"Today's report adds the finishing touches on a year of strong, consistent job growth and continued accomplishments surrounding the stabilization of the state's labor market," Deputy Governor Andy Manar told IDES. Simultaneously, Kristen Richards, Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, highlighted the state's commitment to positive economic growth and support for Illinois businesses and workers, as per the IDES release.
Even with December's mixed signals, the overall trend for the year pointed to growth in the Illinois labor market. Nonfarm payroll jobs were up by 57,800 compared to the previous year, marking an increase across most major industries. The gains were led by the Government with 35,500 new positions and Educational and Health Services which added 29,900 jobs. Yet, certain sectors like Professional and Business Services and Information continue to face challenges with significant job declines over the year.
Nationally, Illinois remained 1.1 percentage points above the unemployment rate, with the U.S. holding steady at 3.7 percent in December. In response to the ongoing fluctuation in the job market, the Pritzker administration has been pushing initiatives like Get Hired Illinois, aimed at linking job seekers with immediate employment opportunities evidenced by the 101,172 available jobs listed on IllinoisJobLink.com, a state-run job search engine.
