Unemployment was up significantly in South Central Illinois in June from a month earlier, but the number in the work force also increased.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports 6.9-percent of the Marion County workforce was unemployed in June, up seven-tenths of a percent from May but still down six percent from last June. The numbers translate into 1,149 on the unemployment rolls, up from 883 in May. The number in the
county’s labor force increased 402 people in June.
The story was similar in other area counties. Unemployment increased in Washington County by 1.5-percent to 3.9-percent. Jefferson County’s rate jumped from 5.8-percent to 7.2-percent.
Clinton County’s unemployment jumped from 2.9-percent to 4.1-percent. Fayette County’s rate was up 1.1-percent to 5.3-percent. Clay County’s rate increased from 4.8 to 6.1-percent. All the unemployment rates are down significantly from June a year ago and are below the statewide unemployment rate of 7.9-
percent.
The State Job Service reports there were 2,475 more people working in the Centralia-Mt. Vernon labor area than in June a year ago. The biggest increases included 525 in leisure and hospitality, 475 in manufacturing, 450 in trade, transportation and utilities, and 425 in government.
