SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Illinois added jobs in December even as the state’s unemployment rate ticked up slightly, according to new data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

IDES reported the unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent in December, up two-tenths of a percentage point from November, but still lower than it was one year earlier. The revised November rate held steady at 4.4 percent, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 11,800 jobs in December, a gain of about 0.2 percent, bringing statewide payrolls to roughly 6.16 million. The December figures reflect labor market activity during the week that included Dec. 12.

Job growth was led by the leisure and hospitality sector, which added 7,100 positions, followed by private education and health services with 4,000 new jobs and government employment, which rose by 2,800. At the same time, several sectors experienced losses, including trade, transportation and utilities, down 3,400 jobs, manufacturing, which fell by 2,500 jobs, and construction, down 700.

Compared with December of the previous year, Illinois nonfarm payroll employment was down by 1,700 jobs overall. Gains over the year were strongest in private education and health services, which added 17,800 jobs, construction with an increase of 7,900, and information services, up 4,500. Year-over-year declines were concentrated in trade, transportation and utilities, down 17,600 jobs, manufacturing, down 9,300, and professional and business services, which lost 6,000 jobs.

“Ongoing headwinds driven in large part by actions at the federal level are creating uncertainty for businesses and workers as they make decisions about investment and hiring,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “Illinois is stepping in where it can as a stabilizing force by strengthening our workforce, supporting employers, and investing in long-term economic growth.”

Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, said the state remains focused on expanding opportunity for workers through economic development initiatives and workforce programs.

The number of unemployed Illinois residents rose to 301,800 in December, an increase of 4.6 percent from November, though that figure was down more than 8 percent compared with a year earlier. The state’s labor force was essentially unchanged from the previous month and was down 1.6 percent over the year.

IDES officials noted that the unemployment rate includes individuals who are actively seeking work, even if they are not eligible for unemployment benefits. The agency continues to connect jobseekers with employers through job fairs, hiring events, and Illinois JobLink, the state’s online employment platform, which recently listed more than 66,000 available jobs statewide.