SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) — Illinois’ unemployment rate rose slightly in February, climbing to 5.0 percent, up 0.1 percentage points from January and 0.3 points higher than the same month a year ago, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Total nonfarm payrolls dropped by 17,800 jobs in February, a 0.3 percent decline, bringing the statewide total to 6,137,200. The steepest losses came in construction, which shed 4,900 jobs, followed by trade, transportation and utilities, down 4,800, and information, which lost 2,800 positions. Government and other services were the only sectors to see modest gains.
Compared to a year ago, Illinois has lost nearly 20,000 nonfarm payroll jobs, with trade, transportation and utilities and professional and business services accounting for the largest year-over-year declines. Private education and health services bucked the trend, adding 16,500 jobs over the same period.
The number of unemployed residents in February stood at 328,400, up 3.0 percent from January and 5.6 percent from a year earlier.
Deputy Governor Andy Manar attributed the figures to broader national conditions.
“Rising unemployment and jobs decreases reflect the economic instability coming out of Washington right now,” Manar said. “The Trump Administration’s policies are creating real headwinds for states and working families across the country.”
DCEO Director Kristin Richards said the state remains focused on workforce investment.
“It is foundational to DCEO’s mission to prioritize initiatives and programs that invest in our state’s biggest asset — our workforce,” Richards said.
Job seekers can search for openings through Illinois JobLink at illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov, which currently lists more than 69,000 available positions.