More local jobs during past year, unemployment rate up slightly

Posted on July 26, 2018
Job application
Bob Gough of the Illinois Department of Employment Security says more jobs bring back people looking for work, thus the unemployment rate increases slightly.
(Facebook/IDES)

By Greg Halbleib

SPRINGFIELD – Bloomington-Normal added jobs during the past year although the Twin Cities’ unemployment rate rose slightly from a year ago according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Bloomington-Normal’s unemployment rate in June was 4.4 percent, up from 4.2 percent last June.

The department’s Bob Gough said the jobless rates fell in only six metro areas, but that’s not all bad news.

“The increase in the unemployment rate was largely due to an increase in the overall labor force,” Gough said. “I believe that’s brought about by confidence in the local economy. Many people who were unemployed and actually dropped off the job rolls are now looking for work as more jobs are available.”

Most job growth was in transportation, warehousing and utilities, education, and health services and manufacturing.

Bloomington-Normal added 900 jobs during the past year and was one of nine areas in Illinois to record job gains.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].

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