Illinois saw six of 11 major industries shrink payrolls in May as the nation continued to regain jobs lost during the COVID-19 recession.

Illinois’ unemployment rate remains the highest in the Midwest despite March jobs growth. Unemployment is high across the state compared to the region.

Illinois’ unemployment rate remains the highest in the Midwest despite March jobs growth

Revised figures show 2020 job losses were worse for Black Illinoisans than originally thought. The worst year of job losses in state history disproportionately affected minority Illinoisans.

Illinois households earning less than $40,000 were four-times as likely to lose their jobs from February-April 2020 and nearly 11 times as likely to still be out of work compared to those earning $75,000 or more.

Jobs data is giving the illusion of economic recovery in Illinois. The reality is 107,530 workers gave up their job searches, and new COVID-19 lockdowns can only hurt more workers.

76,338 Illinoisans filed new unemployment claims during the week ending Oct. 31, up more than 23,000 from prior week.

Illinois lost 12,000 jobs in September and is home to the highest unemployment rate in the Midwest. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “fair tax” proposal would worsen the state’s jobs climate even more.

Most other states have recouped more of their February-April job losses from the pandemic shutdowns than Illinois.