Jobless Figures Continue to Drop

Unemployment rates in the region continued to fall in February when compared to the same month one year earlier.

Jobless rates decreased in all 18 counties in South Central Illinois when compared with February 2014.

Employment gains were reported in professional-business services and health care. Payroll advances also occurred in transportation and wholesale trade. Mid-winter seasonal layoffs prevailed in retail trade, leisure-hospitality and construction.

Numerous employment opportunities at the beginning of 2015 were advertised in health care and transportation. Job openings also were reported in office and administrative support, sales, management, and production occupations. Employment opportunities included jobs in computer services, engineering and installation, maintenance and repair occupations.

Here are the February numbers: 

Effingham County--5.3% unemployment, compared to 7.6% in February 2014

Fayette County--7.5% unemployment, compared to 10.3% a year earlier

Cumberland County--6.0%, down from 8.4%

Shelby County--6.6%, down from 9.4%

Jasper County--6.4%, down from 8.6%

Coles County--6.0%, down from 8.4%