THE STATE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FELL LAST MONTH BUT OFFICIALS WITH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY SAY THAT’S MOSTLY DUE TO ANOTHER DECLINE IN THE LABOR FORCE.
THE AUGUST JOBLESS RATE CAME IN AT FIVE POINT FIVE PERCENT…A SLIGHT DROP FROM THE FIVE POINT EIGHT PERCENT POSTED IN JULY. I-D-E-S SPOKESPERSON BOB GOUGH (goff) SAYS THE IMPROVEMENT IS LARGELY BECAUSE LESS PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR WORK.
HE NOTES THE STATE LOST MORE THAN EIGHT THOUSAND JOBS IN AUGUST…WITH MANUFACTURING TAKING THE BIGGEST HIT.
THE BIGGEST JOB GROWTH WAS SEEN IN THE LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY…WHICH GOUGH SAYS IS PRETTY TYPICAL DURING THE SUMMER.
