CHICAGO (May 20, 2016)- Illinois now has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, according to a report released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The report examines Illinois’ unemployment and economic performance compared to neighboring states for the month of April. The state of Illinois gained 5,400 jobs in April with the most significant sector gains in professional and business services, along with education and health. While the modest jobs growth continues a month-over-month positive trend, 9,700 of the Illinoisans who joined the growing workforce in April were met with an economy not able to provide enough job opportunities to match the demand for work. This resulted in the increased unemployment rate, and unemployment have been rising in this way since July 2015.

The report also shows a continuing negative trend in Illinois’ manufacturing sector with a loss of 400 jobs on the year. Illinois has the worst manufacturing jobs recovery in the region.

“The startling news that Illinois now has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, tying only Alaska, is a testimony to the state’s weak economy and its poor business climate,” said Michael Lucci, vice president of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute. “Illinoisans are joining the workforce and are ready to work, but the state’s weak economy cannot meet the demand for jobs. Broad structural reforms are needed to bolster new opportunities and strengthen Illinois’ economy so that Illinois families can be rewarded for their hard work.” 

Highlights from today’s report include:

• Illinois’ unemployment rate for April rose to 6.6 percent from March’s 6.5 percent, due to an increase of 9,700 unemployed Illinoisans. The new unemployment rate gives Illinois the highest unemployment rate in the nation, matched only by Alaska. 

• Illinois’ unemployment rate compared to surrounding states:
  • Illinois 6.6%
  • Wisconsin 5.5%
  • Kentucky 5.3%
  • Ohio 5.2%
  • Indiana 5.2%
  • Michigan 4.8%
  • Missouri 4.3%
  • Iowa 3.9%
  • Minnesota 3.8%

• April jobs growth for neighboring and Great Lakes states:
  • Illinois gained 5,400 jobs
  • Indiana gained 11,000 jobs
  • Iowa gained 4,300 jobs
  • Kentucky gained 5,000 jobs
  • Michigan gained 5,800 jobs
  • Minnesota gained 15,600 jobs
  • Missouri gained 15,000 jobs
  • Ohio lost 13,600 jobs
  • Wisconsin lost 12,600 jobs

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