Illinois nonfarm payrolls hold steady in September; unemployment rate remains unchanged

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — Illinois nonfarm payrolls were essentially unchanged in September, down by an estimated 2,200 jobs (0.0%) to 6,162,600, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) reported Wednesday. August’s preliminary decline of 13,300 jobs was revised to a decrease of 2,200.

Sectors with the largest job gains in September included Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+1,200), Information (+1,200), Leisure and Hospitality (+900) and Other Services (+900). The largest losses were in Private Education and Health Services (-3,600), Government (-2,100) and Financial Activities (-600).

Over the year, Illinois added an estimated 24,400 nonfarm jobs. Government (+23,000), Private Education and Health Services (+12,700) and Information (+5,800) posted the strongest annual growth. The steepest declines were in Professional and Business Services (-10,600), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-10,500) and Manufacturing (-4,300). Statewide payrolls increased 0.4% over the year, compared to 0.8% nationally.

The state unemployment rate held at 4.4% in September, unchanged from August, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The monthly jobs estimate, and unemployment rate reflect activity during the week of Sept. 12.

Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said the modest employment movement reflects economic uncertainties, including the recent 43-day federal government shutdown that delayed national data releases.

“While Illinois payrolls remain largely unchanged, these figures reflect the ongoing challenges created by prolonged federal uncertainty,” Manar said. “Illinois will continue focusing on strategic investments that support workers, businesses and economic opportunity.”

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards said the state remains committed to strengthening its workforce.

“DCEO remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting Illinois’ world-class workforce,” Richards said. “Through ongoing investments in strategic workforce initiatives and economic development resources, we are dedicated to helping Illinoisans thrive.”

The number of unemployed Illinoisans fell to 287,000 in September, a 1.9% decrease from the prior month and a 13.4% drop from one year earlier. The labor force declined 0.2% over the month and 1.2% over the year.

IDES continues to connect jobseekers and employers through job fairs, hiring events and its Illinois JobLink platform. As of the latest report, Illinois JobLink listed more than 60,000 posted resumes and more than 68,000 open positions. The department has also published resources for federal employees and contractors affected by recent workforce disruptions.

Revised seasonally adjusted labor force and employment data for Illinois are available online, along with historical revisions issued by BLS. More information on IDES programs and services is available at IDES.