January unemployment rate falls to 9.0

[March 04, 2011]  CHICAGO -- The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell for the 12th consecutive month, dropping 0.2 to 9.0 percent in January, according to preliminary estimates released Thursday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The last time the state rate was below 9.0 percent was February 2009. The national January rate fell 0.4 to 9.0 percent. The Illinois rate has been equal to or below the national rate since October 2010. Illinois' three-month moving average also fell 0.2 to 9.2 percent in January.

"Long-term trends of falling unemployment rates and rising job numbers continue and reflect a strengthening Illinois economy," said IDES Director Maureen O'Donnell. "As Illinois continues to push through the effects of the national recession, slight up-and-down movement in monthly estimates of unemployment rates and job growth is to be expected."

The seasonally adjusted payroll employment estimate for January increased 24,500 compared with the revised December level. January historically is a difficult month in which to capture employment data. Additionally, federal changes in data estimation have caused larger monthly fluctuations. The three-month moving average of payroll employment gain of 6,700 net jobs in January is more indicative of the current job market. Below-trend seasonal hiring during the fourth quarter of 2010 produced overstated estimates of job loss in November and December.

Since January 2010, Illinois' job growth has been led by the professional and business services, up 27,400; educational and health services, up 21,400; trade, transportation and utilities, up 15,400; and manufacturing, up 10,900.

In January, the number of unemployed individuals fell for the 12th consecutive month, dropping 14,000, a 2.3 percent decrease, to 599,400, the lowest level since February 2009. Total unemployed has declined 140,700, or 19.0 percent, since January 2010, when the state unemployment rate peaked at 11.2 percent.

The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. Individuals who exhaust benefits or are ineligible still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.

The IDES supports economic stability by administering unemployment benefits, collecting business contributions to fund those benefits, connecting employers with qualified job seekers, and providing economic information to assist career planning and economic development. It does so through nearly 60 offices, including Illinois workNet centers.

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(See tables.)

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