More Than 1 in 4 Teens Unemployed In Illinois
CHICAGO (CBS) -- While the Illinois' unemployment rate jumped a bit in May to 8.9 percent, the state's teen unemployment rate is a whole lot worse.
WBBM's Mary Frances Bragiel reports, the unemployment rate for teenagers, defined in Illinois as those aged 16-19, is 27 percent. That's up from 25 percent in 2009.
Greg Rivara, a spokesman with the Illinois Department of Employment Security, said: "Teen unemployment will run nearly triple the state unemployment rate."
It's a trend that has been seen by economists for nearly two decades. Rivara doesn't believe it's hopeless for teens still searching for work and encourages them to apply in the areas of hospitality, retail and outdoor labor due to recent job growth.
"The job growth is certainly geared more toward adults that are looking for work, but some is going to be available for the teen population," Rivara said.
