Payroll Jobs Up, Unemployment Rate Stable in April

Contact: Rebecca Cisco | 217-524-1219

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was 5.1 percent in April, unchanged from March, and up +0.6 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised March unemployment rate was 5.1 percent.

Total nonfarm payrolls increased over-the-month in April, up +11,400 (+0.2%) to 6,158,800. The March monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +8,400 to +10,300. The April payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs increases included: Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+4,600), Leisure and Hospitality (+3,300), and Private Education and Health Services (+3,100). The sectors with over-the-month jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-2,400), Financial Activities (-1,400), and Government (-200).

Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs were down -4,500 jobs. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+20,100), Construction (+7,300) and Other Services (+3,100). The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-14,300), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-9,900), and Financial Activities (-6,900). In April, total nonfarm payrolls were down -0.1 percent over-the-year in Illinois and up +0.2 percent in the nation.

"April's numbers show continued resilience in parts of Illinois' economy, with growth in several key sectors," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "At the same time, continued uncertainty coming from the federal government and other mixed economic indicators reinforce the need to continue investing in long-term growth, and maintain the fiscal discipline that has strengthened Illinois' economic foundation."

"Illinois' payroll gains in April are a result of the strategic investments the State of Illinois is making in key industry sectors while supporting our world-class workforce," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "With a commitment to bolstering economic development, the State will continue to create opportunity as it supports employers and employees throughout Illinois."

The number of unemployed persons in April was 337,300, up +0.8% from March, and up +12.7% over the same month one year ago. The labor force was down -0.2% from March and down -0.8% over-the-year. The unemployment rate identifies those individuals who are out of work and seeking employment. An individual who exhausts or is ineligible for benefits is still reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.

IDES helps connect jobseekers to employers who are hiring in a number of ways, including hosting and co-hosting job fairs and hiring events with statewide workforce partners, and through maintaining Illinois JobLink (IJL), the state's largest job search engine. IJL is a tool used by jobseekers to look for work, and by employers who can post open and available positions for hire and browse resumes. Recently, IJL showed 58,231 posted resumes with 67,299 jobs available. Additionally, in partnership with IDOL and DCEO, IDES published resources to assist federal employees and contractors impacted by recent terminations or deferred resignations.