(Springfield, IL) — The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports that the unemployment rate was 4.6 percent in December, up +0.2 percentage point from November, and down -0.3 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The revised November unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.4 percent.
Total nonfarm payrolls increased over-the-month in December, up +11,800 (+0.2%) to 6,159,300. The November monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -9,700 to -7,800. The December payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
The industry sectors with the largest over-the-month jobs increases included: Leisure and Hospitality (+7,100), Private Education and Health Services (+4,000), and Government (+2,800). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs decreases included: Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-3,400), Manufacturing (-2,500), and Construction (-700).
“DCEO is committed to continuing our strategic efforts to increase economic opportunity for hard-working Illinoisans,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “The state’s wide range of economic development initiatives and programs are critical to strengthening Illinois’ economic ecosystem.”
The number of unemployed persons in December was 301,800, up +4.6% from November, and down -8.1% over the same month one year ago. The labor force was almost unchanged (0.0%) from November and -1.6% over-the-year.
