Unemployment Down Slightly In Illinois
CHICAGO (CBS) - Unemployment fell in Illinois by a fraction of a percent last month, even though a total of 95,000 people lost their jobs nationwide.
The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for Illinois fell 0.2 percentage points to 9.9 percent last month, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The unemployment rate has fallen modestly in Illinois for the past six months.
Nationally, the unemployment rate remained almost flat at 9.6 percent, but 95,000 jobs were lost.
Illinois added 8,600 jobs in September, the department said.
In particular, the trade, transportation and utilities sector made significant gains with 7,200 jobs, followed by educational and health services with 3,200 jobs, and financial activities with 2,900 jobs. Illinois also added 400 manufacturing jobs in September, the department said.
September also marked the first month the unemployment rate has dropped below 10 percent since April of last year.
