Unemployment Rates Much Lower in April Than Year Earlier

Unemployment rates in area counties were much lower in April than one year earlier.

The Effingham County jobless rate in April was 5.6%, down from 6.5% in April 2013 and one of the lowest rates in recent years.

In area counties, here are the numbers:

Coles--6%, down from 7.4% in April 2013

Cumberland--6.5%, down from 8.1% in April 2013

Shelby--7%, down from 7.8% in April 2013

Clay--8.9%, down from 9.5% in April 2013

Fayette--8.1%, down from 9.1% in April 2013

Jasper--6.4%, down from 7.3% in April 2013

The Illinois Department of Employment Security said that unemployment fell in all 18 counties in south central Illinois in April when compared to one year earlier.

Favorable weather conditions increased activity in construction and leisure/hospitality.  Employment gains were reported in wholesale trade, retail trade, and transportation this spring.  Payroll advances continued in health care services and professional/business services throughout the area.  Numerous employment opportunities in the spring were available in transportation, sales and healthcare.  Many job openings also were reported in office and administrative support, food services and production occupations.  Advertisements for employment included jobs in business and finance, construction, buildings and ground maintenance and farming.