Unemployment was up four-tenths of a percent to 4.7 percent in Marion County from November to December. The rate is also up eight-tenths of a percent from a year ago.
The December unemployment numbers translate into 782 unemployed out of a total workforce of 16,796. The number of unemployed is up 57 from November.
The lowest unemployment in the region is still in Washington County. The rate is now 2.3 percent, up a tenth of a percent from November. Clinton County’s rate is now an even three percent, up four-tenths of a percent. Fayette County’s rate jumped nine-tenths of a percent to 4.9 percent. Clay County’s rate has increased seven-tenths of a percent to 5.8 percent. The only area county to see a decrease in unemployment in the past month is Jefferson County, down five-tenths of a percent.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports total nonfarm employment increased by 975 jobs in December from a year earlier. The biggest increase was in leisure and hospitality at 375 jobs. Government jobs increased by 275. Professional and business services are up 150. Construction services increased by 100. Educational and Environmental Service has seen a 75 job increase. Financial activities are up 50 jobs. Natural resources and mining along with information were up 25 jobs. No change in employment was reported in the trade, transportation, and utilities industry. The only downward trend is in manufacturing, down 175 jobs in the past year.
