Illinois’ unemployment rate fell to 10.3 percent in July, dropping 0.1 percentage points. It was the seventh month without an increase, but employment fell 20,200 with the end of Census jobs and an unexpected work stoppage.
June’s preliminary job report showed a 200-worker loss, but that was revised to a 3,900-job gain. Illinois Department of Employment Statistics spokesman Greg Rivara noted the job figures are prone to revision by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which collects the data. Through June, Illinois has added jobs for six consecutive months for the first time since April 2006. Prior to this six-month trend, Illinois had reported job losses for 20 consecutive months.
Construction workers in the Chicago area were on strike in early July, which caused an on-paper loss of jobs. Other sectors, including manufacturing, showed continued strong growth.
Local unemployment figures will be released Aug. 26.
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