Employment data available by legislative district
New
service compares districts, improves planning
Send a link to a friend
[August 16, 2012]
CHICAGO --
Economic data previously available only at the statewide level now
is broken out by congressional and Illinois legislative districts in
an effort to assist local economic planners and decision-makers, the
Illinois Department of Employment Security announced this week.
|
"We work in a global economy, but the root of that system is planted
in neighborhoods across our state," said IDES Director Jay Rowell.
"Data at this level will help decision-makers reach informed choices
on how to shape their economy, address potential economic challenges
and create jobs by recruiting employers." Six data points now are
available by legislative district: number of individuals receiving
unemployment insurance; individuals qualifying for insurance for the
first time; number of weeks the insurance has been paid; number of
claimants with a high school degree or below, as well as the number
with college experience or above; age breakdowns by under 25,
between 25 and 54, and over 54; and the number of veterans receiving
benefits.
Tracking at the legislative level can help planners, business
leaders and others identify trends and evaluate how those trends
might affect the local and regional areas. For example, an increase
in the trend of first-time applicants for unemployment insurance
could indicate possible economic hardship before it is felt in the
community. Conversely, a decrease in first-time applicants, or a
decrease in the average number of weeks of insurance paid, could
indicate economic growth. Data regarding age, education and veteran
status could identify areas for improvement or could be used to
convince a potential business that there is a ready-made workforce
primed for their specific needs.
[to top of second column] |
The data stems from information provided to the IDES by those
receiving benefits. The numbers are reported on a four-week moving
average to smooth weekly volatility, just as is done at the national
level with U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. This four-week moving
average provides the most accurate snapshot.
Future data by legislative district will include the number of
individuals using re-employment services.
The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for counties, and
for cities greater than 25,000, has been available since 1974. The
unemployment rate measures those who are out of work and looking for
work, whether or not they receive unemployment insurance.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Employment Security
file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
|