The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the statewide unemployment rate edged up to 5.6 percent in October despite a modest increase in jobs.
The department said Thursday in its monthly report on statewide unemployment that the jobless rate increased from 5.5 percent in September. The national unemployment rate in October was 4.9 percent.
The increase in Illinois' unemployment rate ended a five-month run during which it either dropped or held steady.
According to the state report, Illinois added a net 2,200 jobs in October. Professional and business services firms, government and manufacturing all added jobs for the month.
Construction jobs fell by 3,300 in October and trade, transportation and utility companies lost 1,000 jobs.
Department Director Jeff Mays said Illinois recovery from recession continues to be slow.
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