Illinois Adds Jobs in June; Jobless Rate Still Rose

Illinois added 9,000 private sector jobs in June, but the unemployment rate still inched upward to 9.2%.

"Continued private sector job growth suggests business leaders expect that consumers will feel better about spending money and they must prepare for that increase in demand," Illinois Department of Employment Security Director Jay Rowell said.  "The unemployment rate is not surprising given the volatility of that measurement and that the same summertime movement occurred in 2012 and 2011."

Volatility has been the hallmark of this economic cycle.  When compared to the previous month, Illinois recorded job growth in 30 months and job loss in 12 since January 2010.  Unemployment fell in 24 months, increased in nine and was unchanged in nine.  Officials said sustained consumer confidence would reduce volatility.

The Illinois jobless rate of 9.2% in June slightly up from 9.1% in May and up from 9.0% in June 2012.  The national jobless rate in June was 7.6%, the same as in May and down from 8.2% in June 2012.