May unemployment rate falls to 9.1 pct

Employers add 11,800 private sector jobs in May

[June 25, 2013]  CHICAGO -- The unemployment rate fell to 9.1 percent in May, and Illinois businesses added 11,800 private sector jobs, according to preliminary data released last week by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

The seasonally adjusted data nets May's job growth at 5,600 when subtracting temporary job declines as schools go on summer break. Illinois added 54,900 private sector positions compared with last year.

"The encouraging news of private sector job growth shows Illinois businesses are warming to the idea of adding new positions. Growth in construction is particularly encouraging following a cold and wet spring," said IDES Director Jay Rowell. "This year also illustrates the volatile nature of the unemployment rate. Up in January and February, unchanged in March, and then down again in April and May. This trend likely will continue as national and global events push consumer confidence."

Illinois has added 227,600 private sector jobs since January 2010, when job growth returned following nearly two years of consecutive monthly declines. Leading growth sectors are professional and business services, up 98,800; education and health services, up 58,500; and trade, transportation and utilities, up 34,700. Government has lost the most jobs since January 2010, down 30,600.

In May 2013, the number of unemployed fell 11,600, or 1.9 percent, to 599,200. Total unemployed has fallen 153,000, or 20.3 percent, since early 2010, when the state unemployment rate peaked at 11.3 percent for the months of January and February.

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.

Historically, the national unemployment rate is lower than the state rate. The state rate has been lower than the national rate only six times since January 2000. This includes times of economic growth and recession.

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See tables (PDF):

• Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

• Illinois Seasonally Adjusted Non-farm Jobs -- by Major Industry

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