SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) — Illinois added jobs in March for the first time in months, but the state’s unemployment rate continued to tick upward, reaching 5.1 percent — up 0.5 points from a year ago.
Total nonfarm payrolls increased by 8,400 in March to 6,145,500, driven largely by gains in private education and health services, which added 7,900 jobs. Professional and business services added 1,600 positions and government added 1,400. Trade, transportation and utilities posted the largest monthly decline, shedding 2,000 jobs.
Despite the monthly gains, Illinois payrolls are down 4,300 jobs compared to a year ago, with trade, transportation and utilities accounting for the largest year-over-year loss at 18,900 jobs. Private education and health services remain the brightest spot, up 21,700 jobs over the past year.
The number of unemployed Illinoisans in March stood at 334,700, up 9.5 percent from the same month a year ago.
“While Illinois added jobs in March, rising unemployment and continued softness in key sectors reflect broader economic uncertainty coming out of Washington,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “The Trump Administration’s policies are creating real headwinds for states and working families across the country.”
Job seekers can search for openings through Illinois JobLink at illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov, which currently lists more than 71,700 available positions.