Unemployment rates up in Bloomington, Peoria

Unemployment form
Unemployment went from 3.7 percent to 4.0 percent in Bloomington, and 4.6 percent to 4.8 percent in Peoria over the year.  (WJBC file photo)

 

By WMBD-TV/Kevin Schwaller

CHICAGO – Unemployment rates increased in Bloomington and the Peoria metro areas in November 2018 compared to November 2017.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), unemployment rates increased in 11 Illinois metropolitan areas total, decreased in two and was unchanged in one.

Data also show nonfarm jobs increased in twelve of the metropolitan areas.

Unemployment went from 3.7 percent to 4.0 percent in Bloomington, and 4.6 percent to 4.8 percent in Peoria over the year.

“Payrolls rose in most metro areas across the state” said IDES Director Jeff Mays. “At the same time, the unemployment rate increased in most metros, mostly due to more people entering or reentering the labor force as many of the local economies continue to improve.”
The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and looking for work and is not tied to collecting unemployment insurance benefits.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…