Illinois Unemployment Rate Increased Slightly In August

The Illinois Department of Employment Security says unemployment increased from 4.8% in July to 5% in August.  

IDES spokesman Bob Gough said there also was a loss of 3,700 nonfarm jobs in August, based on data provided by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

"We look at it and had a pretty large drop in manufacturing and professional services," he said. "Also, the leisure and hospitality industry as the summer season is coming to an end."  

Job growth was seen in trade, transportation, and utilities, along with educational and health services and the construction industry. 

Copyright 2021 WNIJ Northern Public Radio. To see more, visit WNIJ Northern Public Radio.