THE STATE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPPED TO 11 POINT THREE PERCENT LAST MONTH.

THE ILLINOIS JOBLESS RATE IS DOWN FROM 14 POINT FIVE IN JUNE SAYS STATE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT SECURITY SPOKESPERSON SAM SALUSTRO.

SALUSTRO SAYS THE BIGGEST JOB GAINS WERE SEEN IN THE LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY SECTOR AS MORE RESTAURANT AND BAR EMPLOYEES GET BACK TO WORK. GROWTH WAS ALSO SEEN IN EDUCATIONAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS SERVICES.

THE NATIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JULY CAME IN AT 10 POINT TWO PERCENT.