March’s numbers mark three consecutive months of jobs growth in the state.
CHICAGO (April 14, 2016) – Illinois gained 14,700 jobs on net in March, according to a preliminary jobs report released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. March’s numbers mark three consecutive months of jobs growth in the state.
Despite the job gains, the report also shows an increasing unemployment rate, moving to 6.5 percent in March from 6.4 percent in February. The increase in the unemployment rate is largely due to more people entering the workforce and not being able to find work. March marks the eighth month in a row for increased unemployment.
“This month’s report shows that Illinois’ economy is adding jobs, and more people are entering the workforce,” said Michael Lucci, vice president of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute. “These are positive signs; however, Illinois’ growing workforce is still not finding sufficient work opportunities. With more jobs moving toward the service sector and away from manufacturing, it is clear the state’s blue-collar workforce is feeling the painful effects of Illinois’ unfriendly business climate.”
Key data from today’s release includes:
- Illinois added 14,700 jobs on net in March.
- With March’s job gains, Illinois now has 16,500 more jobs than it did at the January 2008 pre-recession jobs peak, but still has fewer jobs than its highest-ever count from the year 2000.
- Illinois’ unemployment rate increased to 6.5 percent in March, up from 6.4 percent in February.
- The state added 9,600 people to the unemployment rolls in March, marking the eighth month in a row that Illinois has suffered a net increase in unemployed people.
- The state’s labor force grew by 37,700 people; 28,000 of whom represented new employment.
- The industries with the biggest job gains include;
- Leisure and hospitality, which added 6,300 jobs
- Construction, which added 4,100 jobs
- The trade, transportation and utilities industry gained 2,800 jobs
- The industries with the biggest job losses include:
- Manufacturing lost 3,100 jobs.
- Professional and business services lost 1,400 jobs
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