Employment rates are on the rise in Illinois, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. In the past year, jobs have climbed in eleven of the state's metro areas while suffering dips in three. On a less positive note, the unemployment rate also ticked up across all fourteen metropolitan areas.
Data released today shows that areas like Champaign-Urbana, Elgin, and Bloomington have seen significant job growth. In a statement obtained by the Illinois Department of Employment Security's newsroom, Deputy Governor Andy Manar praised the expanding labor market, saying "Today’s data continues to highlight the health and expansion of the Illinois labor market, with increases in jobs throughout a multitude of industries touching every corner of the state."
While total nonfarm jobs were almost unchanged in the Chicago Metro, with a minor increase of 1,400 jobs, the Decatur, Springfield, and the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA weren't as fortunate, seeing reductions in their total nonfarm job counts. Nevertheless, industries like Government, Mining, and Construction, and Education and Health Services saw growth in most metro areas.
However, the story takes a twist when it comes to unemployment rates. The largest spikes were seen in the Chicago Metro, Decatur MSA, and the Illinois section of St. Louis MSA, according to information provided by IDES. As growth continues to supply jobseekers and employers with new opportunities, "IDES and its workforce partners are positioned to assist both groups to thrive in the state’s economy," Manar told the Illinois Department of Employment Security's newsroom.
Despite the setback in some areas, the overall increase in employment across several industries underscores a growing economy – with government work, mining, and construction, plus education and health services leading the way in job creation. The mixed bag of job growth and rising unemployment could suggest that while jobs are being added, there’s still work to be done to get Illinoisans back to work and to cope with the workforce's demand.
