State shows 17 consecutive months of job growth; unemployment rate slightly up

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced that the unemployment rate increased 0.1 percentage point to 4.6 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased by 3,600 in October, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s unemployment rate was 0.9 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate reported for October, which was 3.7 percent. The Illinois unemployment rate was down 0.7 percentage points from a year ago when it was at 5.3 percent.
“Job growth throughout the state has remained strong for nearly a year and a half, and the most recent data is evidence that workers are engaged in the growing labor market,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.