Illinois unemployment rate remains steady at 4.6% in July

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the state’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.6% in July, while payroll jobs decreased by 2,500.

The IDES reported that the largest job increases were seen in the construction, trade and transportation, and private education and health services sectors. However, job losses were reported in the professional and business services, government, and leisure and hospitality sectors.

Compared to the same time last year, Illinois added 20,300 jobs, with the largest increases in private education and health services, government, and information sectors.

The national unemployment rate was 4.6% in July, while the nation added 1.0% more payroll jobs over the year.

“The stability in Illinois’ unemployment rate and labor market highlights the strength of our state’s workforce,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.

The IDES also reported that the number of unemployed workers decreased by 2.1% from the previous month, and by 11.1% from the same time last year.

The labor force decreased by 0.2% over the month and by 0.6% over the year.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security provides employment services, labor market information, and administers the unemployment insurance program.