Jobless Rates Up in Most Area Counties During May

Unemployment rates were up in most area counties during May when compared to one year earlier.

The Effingham County jobless rate in May was 6.3%, slightly higher than 6.2% in May 2012.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports construction employment opportunities continued with ongoing road and commercial projects.  Spring related payroll advances were reported in leisure/hospitality, wholesale trade and retail trade.  Health care employment continued to increase.  Employment gains also were reported in professional and business services and transportation.

Government payrolls continued to decline.

In area counties, Cumberland County's job rate in May was an even 8.0%, up from 7.8% in May 2012, Shelby County was at 7.8%, slightly lower than 7.9% one year earlier, Clay County was an even 9.0%, down from 9.3% one year earlier, Fayette County was at 8.7%, down from 9.3% one year earlier, and Jasper County was at 7.3%, up from an even 7.0% in May 2012.