Unemployment Rate Drops Again in August

CHICAGO - The Illinois seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped -0.2 points to 10.1 percent in August, according to data released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. August marks the eighth consecutive month to show steady or declining unemployment rates. Manufacturing added +900 jobs in August, the sixth consecutive monthly increase in this key sector.

"So far this year, Illinois has added more than 37,000 jobs and reported declining or steady unemployment rates for eight consecutive months," IDES Director Maureen O'Donnell said. "This encouraging long-term trend might not yet be felt at the neighborhood level for many people. Continuing to create jobs, retrain workers and encourage investment offers the best plan to break free from this stubborn national recession."

Private-sector job growth remained almost unchanged in August (-200). Declines in government-related jobs and Census 2010 positions combined to lower Illinois non-farm payroll by -4,200. Slight up-and-down movement in monthly job numbers and unemployment rates is to be expected during a prolonged national recession. Through June of this year, Illinois added jobs for six consecutive months for the first time since April 2006. Prior to this six month trend, Illinois reported job losses for 20 consecutive months dating to April 2008.

So far this year, Illinois outpaces the nation in adding manufacturing jobs, 1.8 percent compared to 1.3 percent. Illinois has added +37,600 private-sector jobs so far this year. Job sectors leading this growth trend are Professional and Business Services (+19,000); Manufacturing (+10,200); Leisure and Hospitality (+7,200); and Educational and Health Services (+7,100).

In August, the national unemployment rate went up +0.1 point to 9.6 percent. The nation's payroll employment declined by -54,000 positions. As in Illinois, the expiration of -114,000 temporary Census 2010 positions outpaced the +67,000 jobs added in the private sector. So far this year, the Illinois economy has grown 0.7 percent; the national economy 0.6 percent.

The three-month moving average of Illinois unemployment is down -0.2 points to 10.3 percent in August, the fourth consecutive monthly decline following 41 consecutive monthly increases. Nationally, the three-month moving average declined -0.1 point to 9.5 percent. The unemployment rate is not the same measure as those collecting unemployment benefits. The rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. Unemployed workers collecting benefits are counted separately. A person who exhausts unemployment insurance benefits, or is ineligible for benefits, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.

The IDES administers federally funded employment services and unemployment insurance through its nearly 60 offices, including the Illinois workNet Centers. It also receives federal grants to provide and analyze labor market statistics and information. The IDES supports economic stability by administering unemployment benefits, collecting business contributions to fund those benefits, connecting employers with qualified job seekers, and providing economic information to assist career planning and economic development.