Illinois unemployment down in January

 
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced today that the unemployment rate fell to 4.5 percent based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In January, the industries with the largest gains included Government, Hospitality, and Educational and Health Services. The state’s unemployment rate was 1.1 percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate reported for January, which was 3.4 percent. The number of unemployed workers in Illinois was 294,300.
“Today’s data is an encouraging start to the new year as Illinois’ recovery continues to trend in the right direction statewide,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “IDES remains committed to assisting jobseekers and employers with the resources they need to find new, expanded opportunities to participate in the state’s labor market.”