Unemployment in SE Illinois lower than a year ago | News

The unemployment rate fell in 20 of the 21 counties in Southern Illinois compared to one year ago according to preliminary data released  by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).. The data is not seasonally adjusted.

Edwards County’s unemployment rate was 8.1% in April 2011 but has dropped to 7.1%. In White County, the rate now stands at 6.7%; in Wayne County 7.5% and in Wabash County 7.7%.  All counties in the 14 News viewing area have seen a drop in the number of unemployed residents from a year ago.

Labor Market conditions gradually improved in the spring of 2012 throughout the area. Sizable building projects that include healthcare facilities, schools and highways increased construction payrolls. Seasonal payroll advances occurred in Retail Trade and Leisure Hospitality. Employment gains were reported in Professional-Business Services, Financial Activities, and Mining.

Summer job employment for students is very competitive this year. Many employers seek student workers with some previous job experience. Most summer employment opportunities continue to be in Retail, Food Service, and Recreation.

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.

Illinois has added +140,700 private sector jobs (seasonally adjusted) since January 2010 when job growth returned to Illinois. Since January 2010, leading growth sectors in Illinois are Professional and Business Services (+77,100); Manufacturing (+36,700), and Educational and Health Services (+27,200). Government has lost the most jobs since January 2010, down -23,500.