IDES announces drop in unemployment rate across Illinois for third consecutive month

The US Bureau of Statistics provided preliminary data to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The data has been released by the IDES today. According to the data, the unemployment rate fell in Illinois in September by -0.8 percentage points to 10.2%. However, the nonfarm payrolls lost -12000 jobs in September.

The national unemployment rate for September was down 2.3% as compared to the state’s unemployment rate. In September, the national unemployment rate remained at 7.9%. As compared to September 2019, the unemployment rate in Illinois was up +6.5 percentage points. The Leisure and Hospitality industry, Trade industry, and the Transportation and Utilities industry witnessed the largest over-the-month employment gain in Illinois.

The Leisure and Hospitality industry added 9300 jobs in September. A gain of 7700 jobs is witnessed in the Transportation and Utilities industry. Professional and Business Services, Government, and Educational and Health Services saw a payroll decline in the state in September. Professional and Business Services lost 12400 jobs; Government lost 8500 jobs; and Educational and Health Services lost 7300 jobs.

The IDES is committed to helping people safely return to their jobs amid the coronavirus pandemic. Kristin Richards, the acting director of the IDES, said, “We are pleased to see the unemployment rate continue to steadily decline.” The IDES is providing necessary benefits to those who are still impacted by the pandemic.

The report for the current month is evidence that Illinois is on its way to recover after being impacted by the coronavirus. Erin Guthrie, the director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), said, “Despite this progress, there is much more work to be done to ensure our hardest-hit industries and workers can get back on their feet.” It is the third consecutive month when Illinois saw a decline in the unemployment rate.