SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that total nonfarm payrolls were nearly unchanged over-the-month in September, down -2,200 (0.0%) to 6,162,600. The August monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -13,300 to -2,200.
The industry sectors with the largest over-the-month jobs increases included: Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+1,200), Information (+1,200), Leisure and Hospitality (+900), and Other Services (+900). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs decreases included: Private Education and Health Services (-3,600), Government (-2,100), and Financial Activities (-600).
Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +24,400 jobs. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Government (+23,000), Private Education and Health Services (+12,700), and Information (+5,800). The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-10,600), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-10,500), and Manufacturing (-4,300). In September, total nonfarm payrolls were up +0.4 percent over-the-year in Illinois and up +0.8 percent in the nation.
The unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in September, unchanged from the previous month, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised August unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.4 percent. The September payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
“While Illinois payrolls remain largely unchanged, these figures reflect the ongoing challenges created by prolonged federal uncertainty and the recent 43-day government shutdown, which disrupted the timely release of economic data and complicated planning for businesses,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “The State of Illinois will continue to focus on strategic investments that support workers, businesses, and economic opportunity across the state.”
“DCEO remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting Illinois’ world-class workforce and expanding job opportunities across the state,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Through ongoing investments in strategic workforce initiatives and a wide range of economic development resources, we are dedicated to strengthening communities and helping Illinoisans thrive.”
The number of unemployed persons was 287,000, down -1.9% from the prior month, and down -13.4% over the same month one year ago. The labor force decreased -0.2% over-the-month and was down -1.2% over-the-year. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and seeking employment. An individual who exhausts or is ineligible for benefits is still reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.
IDES helps connect jobseekers to employers who are hiring in a number of ways, including hosting and co-hosting job fairs and hiring events with statewide workforce partners, and through maintaining Illinois JobLink (IJL), the state’s largest job search engine. IJL is a tool used by jobseekers to look for work, and by employers who can post open and available positions for hire and browse resumes. Recently, IJL showed 60,277 posted resumes with 68,287 jobs available. Additionally, in partnership with IDOL and DCEO, IDES published resources to assist federal employees and contractors impacted by recent terminations or deferred resignations.