By Illinois News Network
SPRINGFIELD – Twelve of the state’s metro areas are experiencing higher unemployment than the previous month, with manufacturing showing declines in some regions. That’s according to the latest employment numbers from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
The report say eight metro areas saw job losses compared to a year ago. Bloomington-Normal experienced the loss of 900 jobs over the last year as its unemployment rate rose to 5.4 percent. While the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights metro division saw an increase of nearly 47,000 jobs over the year, the area lost 5,100 manufacturing jobs. Chicago has the lowest unemployment in the state at 5.2 percent.
The Elgin metro division gained 5,000 jobs over the year but lost 400 manufacturing jobs. The Springfield metro area gained 1,400 jobs over the year but in the same time lost 100 manufacturing jobs. Not all areas saw losses in manufacturing. The Lake County-Kenosha County metro division gained 400 manufacturing jobs but they were also the biggest loser of jobs overall, declining 6,300 in the past year.
Previous reports from IDES indicate Illinois lost more than 12,000 manufacturing jobs in the past year.
