Illinois payroll jobs and unemployment rates were up in August

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) released that nonfarm payrolls were up +800 while the unemployment rate increased +0.1 percentage point to 5.3 percent in August. This preliminary data was provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The July change in payrolls was revised from the +12,900 to +10,300 jobs, while the revised unemployment rate remained at 5.2 percent. 

In August, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+2,300), Construction (+2,200), and Financial Activities (+1,600). The industries with the largest monthly payroll job declines included: Leisure and Hospitality (-2,900), and Professional and Business Services (-1,600). 

Deputy Governor Andy Manar says, “The strength and stability of the Illinois labor market continues to grow with statewide payroll expansion and the diverse workforce. IDES remains to serve in its role as a pivotal resource to both jobseekers and employers who are eager to invest in the state’s thriving economy.”

The state’s unemployment rate was +1.1 percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate reported for August.