CHICAGO (March 17, 2015) – Today, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released detailed unemployment data for Illinois for the month of January showing mixed results regarding the state’s economic growth. In January, more than 9,600 people found work in the state. But many industries, such as construction, manufacturing and business services suffered jobs losses.

This news follows the drop in Illinois’ unemployment rate for January to 6.1 percent, down from 6.2 percent in December. Today’s report shows Illinois’ workforce growing and fewer people struggling to find work in the state. Both are signs that the state’s economy is growing stronger, but significant jobs losses in some sectors show Illinois still has significant lengths to go to fully recover from the Great Recession.

The nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute conducts extensive research on the state’s jobs numbers. Director of Jobs and Growth at the Institute, Michael Lucci, released the following statement:

“Today’s jobs report shows that there are still struggling areas in the state, but Illinois is beginning to put people back to work and move the state’s economy in a positive direction. While important sectors such as construction, manufacturing and professional services are suffering losses, today’s report shows that many people who are looking for a job are beginning to find work and new workers are coming into the workforce. While this month’s report is a positive sign for the state’s economy, real growth in the state can only continue with Gov. Rauner and the General Assembly following through on spending reform within the state’s budget, and cutting business regulations and bureaucracy on the state and local levels to encourage entrepreneurs and small businesses to succeed.”

Below are some highlights from today’s jobs report:

• In January, 9,600 more people were able to find work in Illinois. Despite these recent gains, the state still has 215,000 fewer people working than when the Great Recession began in January 2008.

• In January, there were 7,100 fewer payroll jobs in Illinois. The state still has 94,600 fewer payroll jobs than when the Great Recession began in January 2008.

• Industry sectors that lost jobs from December 2014 to January include:
  • Mining: lost 300 jobs
  • Financial activities: lost 300 jobs
  • Other services: lost 900 jobs
  • Manufacturing: lost 2,100 jobs
  • Construction: lost 2,500 jobs
  • Government: lost 2,700 jobs
  • Professional and business services: lost 5,500 jobs

• The state unemployment rate for January is 6.1 percent. This is down from 6.2 percent in December. The national January unemployment rate was 5.7 percent.

For interviews: Nathaniel Hamilton 312-346-5700 x202