Illinois jobless rate sinks to 12-year low

Posted on May 18, 2018
Construction helmet
Illinois added 4,700 jobs in April (Pixabay)

By WJBC Staff

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois unemployment rate hit a 12-year low last month.

The April jobless rate came in at 4.4 percent, down slightly from March and the lowest level since 2006. State Department of Employment Security spokesman Bob Gough said jobs increased by 4,700 last month.

“Fifty-three thousand jobs gained over the year, but in April the largest industry sectors were professional business serves and manufacturing,” Gough said.

Leisure, hospitality and construction also enjoyed some job gains in April. Losses were seen in the government sector.

Gough said the economy continues to improve.

“The online jobs postings that IDES offers through IlinoisJoblink are up nearly eight percent from a year ago, so job opportunities certainly have improved,” Gough said.

Illinois still trails the national jobless rate of 3.9 percent.

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