CHICAGO (Dec. 18, 2015) – Today, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics released complete unemployment and economic performance data for the states. The data show Illinois’ economy suffering from slow growth leading into the holidays. In November Illinois gained 400 jobs; however, the state’s jobs growth was offset by October’s gains being revised downward by 400 jobs. This means that the state has added no net jobs in a month. The state also lost 100 manufacturing jobs in November. Illinois has lost 14,500 manufacturing jobs so far in 2015. The manufacturing sector is an important benchmark for middle-class job performance.

“Today’s report shows Illinois’ economy unfortunately still suffering sporadic growth. The state has added no net new jobs in a month and continues to show losses in important blue-collar industries such as manufacturing,” said Michael Lucci, vice president of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute. “While more people are beginning to look for work in the state, Illinois’ harmful economic policies have forced many into unemployment. It is a constant talking point of Illinois’ elected officials to claim to be fighting for middle-class jobs, but today’s report shows the desperate need for more action to actually bring middle-class jobs back to Illinois.”

Highlights from today’s report include:

• Overall jobs growth for Great Lakes states for the month and year:
  • Illinois gained 400 jobs this month, has gained 20,200 jobs this year.
  • Indiana gained 4,000 jobs this month, has gained 51,900 jobs this year.
  • Michigan gained 1,400 jobs this month, has gained 61,600 jobs this year.
  • Ohio gained 9,900 jobs this month, has gained 68,200 jobs this year.
  • Wisconsin lost 4,800 jobs this month, has gained 26,900 jobs this year.

• Manufacturing jobs growth for Great Lakes states for the month and year:
  • Illinois lost 100 manufacturing jobs this month, has lost 14,500 manufacturing jobs this year.
  • Indiana lost 3,300 manufacturing jobs this month, has gained 7,800 manufacturing jobs this year.
  • Michigan gained 2,400 manufacturing jobs this month, has gained 19,600 manufacturing jobs this year.
  • Ohio lost 600 manufacturing jobs this month, has gained 11,800 manufacturing jobs this year.
  • Wisconsin lost 400 manufacturing jobs this month, has gained 3,800 manufacturing jobs this year.

• Illinois’ workforce grew by 21,700 people in November, and 18,200 more people reported being unemployed.

• Illinois’ unemployment rate climbed to 5.7 percent from 5.4 percent in October. The primary reason for the increased unemployment rate is more people looking for work and entering the workforce.

• Illinois has lost manufacturing jobs in 10 of the first 11 months of 2015. Illinois has the worst-performing manufacturing sector of any state in the Midwest.

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