Illinois July unemployment rate edges up to 10.4 percent

From press release

CHICAGO—The Illinois seasonally adjusted statewide unemployment rate for July is 10.4 percent, an increase of 0.1 percent over June, according to figures released Aug. 20 by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

Boone County registered the highest unemployment rate in the state at 14.1 percent, while Winnebago County ranked No. 2 with 14 percent.

“Slight up or down movements in the unemployment rate at the state and national level are not uncommon in a recession,” IDES Director Maureen O’Donnell said. “This economy must push through several phases that include a slower pace of job loss, stagnant job growth and persistent unemployment.”

Illinois payroll employment declined by 13,000 jobs in July 2009, but the pace of job loss has decelerated for four consecutive months. The number of unemployed people increased for the 10th consecutive month to 692,500, reaching its highest level since April 1983. Nearly 5.7 million people held payroll jobs in Illinois in July, the lowest level since May 1996.

The manufacturing sector contracted for the 18th consecutive month in July, but the loss of 2,000 jobs was the smallest decline in the last nine months.

Professional and business services lost 600 jobs in July and 1,400 in the last three months, as compared to 31,100 in the preceding three-month period.

Employment in the construction sector remained unchanged (plus 100), its second stable employment month this year. Jobs declined 5,400 in the trade, transportation and utilities sector, its largest drop in four months.

Nationally, the July unemployment rate dipped to 9.4 percent, down 0.1 percent, and remains near its highest level in more than 25 years. Total non-farm payroll fell for the 19th consecutive month in July (minus 247,000), bringing total national job loss to 6.7 million since the onset of the recession in December 2007. The national employment decline continues to be dominated by the manufacturing, professional and business services, and construction sectors, dropping by 2.0 million, 1.5 million and 1.4 million jobs, respectively, since December 2007. Illinois has lost 321,400 jobs since the onset of the recession: 94,600 in manufacturing; 79,700 in professional and business services; and 46,500 in construction.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security administers federally-funded employment services and unemployment insurance through its nearly 60 offices, including the Illinois workNet Centers. IDES also receives federal grants to provide and analyze labor market statistics and information.

For more information, visit http://www.ides.state.il.us/.