Unemployment was up considerably in January.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports unemployment in Marion County increased eight-tenths of a percent to 5.6 percent. That’s six-tenths of a percent higher than a year ago.
The numbers translate into 934 on the unemployment rolls, up from 771 in December. The county’s labor market fell by 53 persons to 16,663.
Washington County continues to have the lowest unemployment in the region at 3.3 percent that’s up a full percent from December. Clinton County’s unemployment rate increased 1.1-percent to 4.1-percent. Jefferson County’s rate jumped eight-tenths of a percent to 5.1-percent. Fayette County’s unemployment increased 1.5-percent to 6.4-percent. Clay County’s rate is now at 6.3-percent an increase of 5.8-percent.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports total nonfarm employment decreased by 250 jobs compared to a year ago. There were some positive trends. Manufacturing jobs increased by 125 jobs, government jobs were up by 100, construction increased 75, natural resources and mining by 50, and information by 25 jobs. Payrolls decreased in professional-business services by 300 jobs. Trade-Transportation-Utilities saw a loss of 225 jobs. Leisure-hospitality dropped 50 positions and Education-Health Services were down 25 jobs. There was no change in Financial jobs.
