SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois’ unemployment rate remained unchanged through the month of September, according to the latest data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Utilizing additional data from the U.S. Labor Department, IDES officials say statewide unemployment remained at 4.5 percent in the month of September.
Across the state, non-farm payrolls increased by more than 14,000 workers.
Illinois industry sectors which saw the highest year-over-year job gains last month were Educational and Health Services (+5,400), Government (+3,900) and Professional and Business Services (+3,800).
Illinois unemployment was one percentage point higher than the national average unemployment rate of 3.5 percent.
Compared to a year ago, non-farm payroll employment increased by +238,800 jobs, with gains across nearly all major industries.
According to a news release issued Thursday, IDES says the number of unemployed workers was up slightly from the prior month, a +0.2 percent increase to 290,600, but was down -17.3 percent over the same month one year ago.
The labor force was down slightly (-0.2 percent) over-the-month and up +1.8 percent over-the-year.
