Mixed bag of unemployment news for southern IL | News

Unemployment continues to decrease slightly in Illinois, according to preliminary data released by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

In southern Illinois, ten counties reported higher unemployment rates, ten lower, and one unchanged. The data is not seasonally adjusted.

Retailers and restaurants employed temporary and part-time workers for the holiday season. Over the year employment increases were reported in Transportation, Financial Activities, and Professional-Business Services. Seasonal layoffs occurred in Construction and Recreation in late fall 2012. In the last quarter of 2012, several significant Manufacturing and Mining layoffs occurred in Southern Illinois.

Employment opportunities were available in Healthcare and Medical Support, Sales, Food Service, Transportation, Office and Administrative Support, and Installation, Maintenance and Repair. A number of employment openings also were in Business and Finance, Engineering, and Production such as welders and machinists.

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.