Friday, May 21, 2010
 
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Illinois unemployment rate dips to 11.2 percent

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[May 21, 2010]  CHICAGO -- The Illinois seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped 0.3 points to 11.2 percent in April, according to data released Thursday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The data also shows 19,100 jobs were added in the state.

Hardware"The job market in both the nation and Illinois is beginning to show signs of improvement. Four straight months of job growth provides cautious optimism that the effects of the national recession on the state's labor market might be softening," IDES Director Maureen O'Donnell said. "However, as jobs are created and people re-enter the work force, encouraged about their ability to find a job, the unemployment rate might fluctuate for several months before stabilizing."

April jobs growth was most evident in professional and business services, up 3,900; trade, transportation and utilities, up 3,000; and manufacturing, up 2,600 -- when considering that the growth in government jobs, up 4,100, was attributed to temporary 2010 census positions.

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The unemployment rate's three-month moving average remained unchanged at 11.4 percent, the highest level since August 1983. Also, March's initial job growth of 3,000 jobs was revised upward to 8,700. Thus far this year, Illinois payroll employment is up 51,500.

The three-month moving average of Illinois employment, a broader view of job creation, shows average monthly job creation of 9,400. That average is led by professional and business services, up 2,900; educational and health services, up 2,500; and trade, transportation and utilities, up 2,000.

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There were 752,600 people unemployed in April.

The unemployment rate is not the same measure as those collecting unemployment benefits. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. Workers collecting benefits are counted separately. Individuals who exhaust benefits or are ineligible still would be reflected in the unemployment rate if they are seeking employment.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security administers federally funded employment services and unemployment insurance through its nearly 60 offices, including the Illinois workNet Centers. IDES also receives federal grants to provide and analyze labor market statistics and information.

(See tables: Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates; and Illinois Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Jobs – by Major Industry)

[Text from Illinois Department of Employment Security file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]

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