 "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.
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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