Downstate Illinois continues to struggle with unemployment
The Harrisburg area, like the rest of southern Illinois, saw increased unemployment rates in April.
Saline County saw a 1.3 percent increase, from 6.2 to 7.5 percent, between April 2014 and April 2015. Gallatin County saw a 1 percent increase.
April was the fourteenth month in a row that unemployment rates fell in every metro area in the state compared to a year ago, according to preliminary data released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
"Metro areas in northern Illinois posted strong job gains, while most downstate areas lost ground," IDES Director Jeff Mays said. "Yet even in areas that lost jobs, there are good jobs going unfilled. We can and must improve on how we connect the unemployed seeking work with employers seeking workers."
Unemployment declined to 5.3 percent in April 2015 in the Carbondale-Marion Metropolitan Statistical Area (Jackson and Williamson Counties). The April 2014 jobless rate for the Carbondale-Marion MSA was 6.3 percent. Unemployment decreased in 20 of 21 counties in Southern Illinois when compared to one year ago. Overall, labor market conditions have steadily improved during the past year in Southern Illinois. The data is not seasonally adjusted.
Employment gains were reported in Transportation, Professional-Business Services and Health Care. Seasonal payroll advances were reported in Retail Trade and Leisure-Hospitality. Construction activity increased as favorable weather conditions prevailed. Employment increases occurred in Other Services which includes maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment and personal services.
Numerous employment opportunities were available in Health Care and Transportation in April 2015. Job openings were advertised in Office and Administrative Support, Sales, and Management occupations. Career prospects were also favorable in Education, Food Service, Production, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair occupations.
The not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 5.5 percent in April 2015 and stood at 12.2 percent at its peak in this economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in April and 10.6 percent in January 2010 at its peak. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and looking for work, and is not tied to collecting unemployment insurance benefits.