Though far behind the national rate, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), the Illinois unemployment rate fell to 9.8%.in December of 2011.
According to IDES Director Jay Rowell:
Illinois’ economy continues to take positive steps forward despite the pressures of an uneven national recovery <at 8.5%>. Illinois has recorded job growth in seven of 12 months. We have averaged 4,400 new jobs each month in 2011. Monthly snapshots are just that, but looking at the long-term trends reveals the path we are taking. Our long-term grown trajectory shows Illinois’ economy moving forward and in the right direction.
According to IDES, Illinois added 52,600 jobs overall in 2011 and almost double that, 95,900 jobs, since January 2010 which marked the gradual turnaround after 23 months of job decline in Illinois. The employment sectors that have grown in the state have been Professional and Business Services, Educational and Health Services, Trade, Transportation and Utilities, and Manufacturing. Of jobs on the decline, Government has lost the most.
When looking at the figures, it should be noted that the unemployment rate only includes persons who are still actively seeking unemployment. Those who have stopped looking for work are no longer included in the figures.
Illinois trails the national average by well over a full percentage point as the nation is now at 8.5%.
The December 2011 jobs report was just released by state officials on Friday, January 20, 2012.
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Source: IDES
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