STATE UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS ARE IN AND MARCH PRESENTED A GOOD NEWS-BAD NEWS SCENARIO.

THE BAD NEWS IS THAT THE ILLINOIS JOBLESS RATE INCHED UP TO SIX POINT FIVE PERCENT LAST MONTH. THE NATIONAL AVERAGE WAS FIVE PERCENT. ON THE FLIPSIDE, STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY ANALYST EVELINA LOESCHER SAYS ILLINOIS DID SEE AN INCREASE OF 14 THOUSAND 700 JOBS.

SO WHAT’S WITH THE NUMBERS?

JOB GAINS IN MARCH WERE SEEN IN LEISURE AND HOSPITAL AND CONSTRUCTION. THE BIGGEST JOB LOSSES WERE IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.