"Trying to find big-picture meaning in monthly economic data is not
as productive as evaluating the broader trends that are built over
time. This longer view, rather than monthly snapshots, provides the
context necessary to understand where we are at and where we might
be going," IDES Director Maureen O'Donnell said. "Regardless of
July's unusual circumstances, workers must use this time to identify
gaps and obtain skills which will position them for opportunities in
this emerging economy." June's preliminary negative job growth
report (down 200) was revised in accordance with the federal Bureau
of Labor Statistics to a gain of 3,900.
Through June, Illinois has added jobs for six consecutive months
for the first time since April 2006. Prior to this six-month trend,
Illinois had reported job losses for 20 consecutive months. An
unanticipated work stoppage, which has ended and work has resumed,
and the conclusion of temporary census positions caused July's
payroll to fall 20,200. The fall was expected because the majority
of the payroll loss was a result of the work stoppage. The figure is
subject to revision. Illinois has added 43,500 private-sector jobs
so far this year.
Illinois' manufacturing sector added 3,800 jobs in July, the
fifth consecutive monthly gain and the sector's best showing since
April 1995. So far this year Illinois outpaces the nation in adding
manufacturing jobs: 2.2 percent compared with 1.6 percent.
Educational and health services added 2,200 jobs, its sixth
month-over-month gain in the past seven months. Professional and
business services added 400 jobs, its fifth gain in the past seven
months. So far this year, the sectors leading Illinois' growth are
professional and business services, up 17,100; manufacturing, up
12,200; educational and health services, up 12,100; and trade,
transportation and utilities, up 10,800.
Nationally, the unemployment rate was unchanged in July and
remained at 9.5 percent. The nation lost 131,000 positions in July.
The expiration of 143,000 temporary census workers outpaced the
71,000 positions added in the private sector. So far this year, the
Illinois economy has grown 0.7 percent, the national economy 0.5
percent.
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The three-month moving average of Illinois unemployment is down
0.3 points to 10.5 percent in July, the third consecutive monthly
decline following 41 straight months of increases. Nationally, the
three-month moving average declined 0.1 point to 9.6 percent.
The unemployment rate is not the same measure as those collecting
unemployment benefits. The rate identifies those who are out of work
and seeking employment. Unemployed workers collecting benefits are
counted separately. Individuals who exhaust unemployment insurance
benefits or are ineligible for benefits still will be reflected in
the unemployment rate if they are actively seeking work.
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.
___
Seasonally adjusted unemployment
rates
|
July
2010 |
June
2010 |
July
2009 |
3-month moving avg. |
Illinois |
10.3% |
10.4% |
10.5%* |
10.5% |
U.S. |
9.5% |
9.5% |
9.4%* |
9.6% |
* Revised
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Employment Security
file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
|