Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced in a press release that local nonfarm payrolls stateside have shown little to no change through the month of September.

The release of the September data was delayed due to the federal government shutdown. But the data showed September is down 2,200, which is 0.0% compared to 6,162,600. The August monthly change was also revised from the previous report of being down by 13,000 to a decrease of 2,200.

The industry sectors with the largest over the month jobs increases included trade, transportation and utilities, both of which showed a rise of 1,200. Information showed a rise of 1,200 as well. Meanwhile leisure and hospitality along with other services showed a rise of 900. The industry sectors with the largest monthly decrease were private education and health services with a drop of 3,600. Followed by Government jobs dropping 2,100 and financial activities showing a drop of 600.

Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm jobs increased by 24,400 jobs. The largest increase showed the industry groups of Government, which is up by 23,000, private education and health services rising by 12,700, and information jobs rising by 5,800. The industries with the largest jobs decrease were professional and business services, with a loss of 10,600. While trade, transportation and utilities dropped by 10,500 and manufacturing with a decrease of 4,300.

In September the total nonfarm payrolls were up 0.4 percent over the year in Illinois and up by .08 percent in the nation. Based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in September, unchanged from the month prior. Where the August report showed also unchanged at the same percentage of 4.4.

Within the press release, Director of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Kristin Richards, stated that “DCEO remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting Illinois’ world-class workforce and expanding job opportunities across the state. Through ongoing investments in strategic workforce initiatives and a wide range of economic development resources, we are dedicated to strengthening communities and helping Illinoisans thrive.”  

Deputy Governor, Andy Manar said, “While Illinois payrolls remain largely unchanged, these figures reflect the ongoing challenges created by prolonged federal uncertainty and the recent 43-day government shutdown, which disrupted the timely release of economic data and complicated planning for businesses. The State of Illinois will continue to focus on strategic investments that support workers, businesses, and economic opportunity across the state.”

The number of unemployed persons was 287,000 in this report, which is down by 1.9 percentage points from the previous month. This number is also down by 13.4 percent compared to the year prior.

Anyone who either exhausted or are ineligible for benefits was still shown in the unemployment rate if they still actively seek work.