Illinois Department of Employment Security reports unemployment jumped a half percent in Marion County during October to an even five percent. The rate is also four-tenths of a percent higher than in October a year ago.
The number translates into 815 on the unemployment rolls, up from 740 in September. The total labor force remained stable at 16,457.
Washington County has the lowest unemployment rate in the region at 2.2 percent, up a tenth of a percent from September. Clinton County’s unemployment is up two-tenths of a percent to 2.8 percent. Jefferson County’s unemployment is at 4.7 percent, an increase of one-tenth of a percent. In Fayette County, the rate is 3.9 percent which is up three-tenths of a percent. In Clay County, unemployment increased two-tenths of a percent to 4.2 percent.
The State Job Service says nonfarm employment increased in the Centralia-Mt. Vernon area by 450 from October a year ago. The biggest increase was in government jobs, up 300. Manufacturing jobs were up by 100 and leisure and Hospitality increased by 50 jobs. There were payroll declines in educational and health services; trade, transportation, and utilities as well as Financial Activities. All were down 25 jobs in the past year.
Statewide, the unemployment rate is at 4.3 percent down a half percent from last October.
