Thursday, May 21, 2009

National Recession Pushes Illinois Unemployment Higher

From the Illinois Department of Employment Security

CHICAGO – The Illinois seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate for April is 9.4 percent, an increase of +0.4 percent over March’s revised rate, according to figures released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Total non-farm payroll declined by -23,100 jobs in April. Compared to one year ago, employers reduced payroll by -255,400. In April, the number of unemployed people in the state increased +24,500 to reach 619,500, the highest level since August 1983. The unemployment rate three-month moving average is 9.0 percent, up +0.5 percent from the prior month, and at its highest since December 1985.

“In these uncertain economic times, it is important for Illinois workers to identify steps they can take to better prepare themselves for the future,” IDES Director Maureen O’Donnell said. “Skills assessment, job counseling, resume review and other services offered through IDES and its partners can assist workers in identifying and preparing for opportunities in the future.”

Nationally, total non-farm payroll employment fell in April for the 16th consecutive month (-539,000), bringing total national job losses to -5.7 million since the onset of the national recession in December 2007. The nation’s unemployment rate climbed to 8.9 percent in April and the total number of unemployed persons reached 13.7 million.

In Illinois, the Manufacturing sector lost -8,900 jobs in April. The Manufacturing sector has lost -77,400 jobs since the recession began in December 2007. The Professional and Business Services sector lost -4,700 jobs in April, and -78,400 jobs since the recession began. Employment fell in the Trade and Transportation industry by -5,400 in April and -50,400 since December 2007. The Construction sector lost -4,800 jobs and -39,600 since the recession began.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security administers federally funded employment services and unemployment insurance through its nearly 60 offices, including the Illinois workNet Centers. IDES also receives federal grants to provide and analyze labor market statistics and information.

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