Illinois November Unemployment Rate Slips Slightly

CHICAGO - The Illinois seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for November is 10.9 percent, down 0.1 percent from October, according to figures released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The three-month moving average increased 0.3 percent to 10.8 percent. Slight increases and decreases in the unemployment rate are to be expected in a national recession.

"Today's preliminary report reflects the slight-up-and-down movement common in a national recession and should not be used to predict the future," IDES Direct Maureen O'Donnell said. "Past experience in Illinois suggests that signs of an economic recovery first will be felt elsewhere in the nation before significant job growth appears here at home."

Illinois non-farm payroll reported -6,300 fewer jobs in November than in October, the 22nd consecutive monthly loss. The pace of job loss has slowed in recent months. During the last three months, job loss in Illinois has averaged -6,167 each month compared to an average monthly job loss of -25,075 during the first eight months of this year.  Compared to October, employment continued to fall in the Leisure and Hospitality (-4,900), Construction (-3,900), and Trade and Transportation (-1,700) sectors. The Manufacturing sector showed little change by dropping -200 positions. The Educational and Health Services and Professional and Business Services sectors gained employment. Education and Health Services added 6,000 positions. Professional and Business Services added 1,100.

Nationally, the November unemployment rate declined 0.2 percent to reach 10.0 percent. The three-month moving average increased 0.1 percent to 10.0 percent. Nationally, non-farm payroll employment decreased  11,000. It is the 23rd consecutive month to report a loss. Total national job loss since the onset of the recession in December 2007 is -7.2 million. In Illinois, it is -360,800. National and state unemployment rates reflect 1983 levels.

The unemployment rate is not the same measurement as those collecting unemployment benefits.  The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment, regardless if they are eligible for unemployment insurance.  Workers collecting benefits are counted separately.  Therefore, a person who exhausts or is ineligible for unemployment insurance would still be reflected in the unemployment rate if they are seeking employment.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security administers federally funded employment services and unemployment insurance through its nearly 60 offices, including the Illinois workNet Centers. IDES also receives federal grants to provide and analyze labor market statistics and information.