Unemployment Rates Far Below Year Ago Figures

Unemployment figures for area counties in April are far below year ago rates.

The Effingham County jobless figure for April was 3.5%, down from 4.4% in April 2016.

Area rates:

Coles County--4.0%, down from 5.6% one year earlier

Cumberland County--3.4%, down from 5.0%

Shelby County--4.0%, down from 5.3%

Clay County--4.8%, down from 6.9%

Fayette County--5.2%, down from 6.2%

Jasper County--4.3%, down from 5.8%

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports labor market conditions continued to improve in April throughout the region. All 18 counties in South Central Illinois reported a decline in unemployment.

Employment in Professional-Business Services and Leisure-Hospitality advanced in April. Construction activity also increased this spring. Over the year, employment gains were reported in Manufacturing, Transportation and Health Services. Mining, Information and State and Local Government employment continued to steadily decline in the region.

Numerous employment opportunities were available in Health Care, Sales, Transportation, and Office and Administrative Support in the spring. Many job openings were advertised in Engineering, Management, Food Preparation, Computer, and Production occupations. Workers were needed in Health Care Support, Finance, Installation, Maintenance and Repair, and Building and Grounds Maintenance.

The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment.