Unemployment Rate Inches Up In Illinois
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The unemployment rate in Illinois inched up in October, and is now more than 1 percent higher than the national average.
The October unemployment rate in Illinois was 10.1 percent, up only 0.1 percent from September.
But the national average is now more than a full percent lower at 9.0 percent, while in October of last year, the state's unemployment was nearly even with the national average. In fact, back then, the national average was 0.1 percent higher than the state's.
The total number of unemployed people in Illinois was up 5,700 in October compared with September. The total number of unemployed Illinoisans is about 668,800.
The largest losses have come in the construction sector, which has shed 1,000 jobs, and government, which has cut 1,300. The information sector has also posted losses, with 100 jobs cut in October.
But even though the unemployment rate is higher, the state has added 30,000 jobs to be filled. The Illinois Department of Employment Security points out that 64,800 jobs have been added in the state this year, and 108,100 jobs have been added since January 2010.
The unemployment rate in Illinois peaked in January 2010, at 11.2 percent.
