Illinois unemployment rate inches up to 11.4 percent

The Illinois unemployment rate inched up to 11.4 percent in February, up one-tenth from the month before, the Illinois Department of Employment Security reported Thursday.

But it's still higher than February 2009, when unemployment was 8.7 percent. The most current rate is also Illinois' highest rate since July 1983.

The state continues to lead the nation, which had 9.7 percent unemployment in February. Still, the monthly increases appear to be slowing.

"The job losses are beginning to moderate," said IDES spokesman Greg Rivara.

Illinois had about 5.6 million non-farm jobs in February, down 192,200 from the same month a year ago. Nearly every sector took a hit, except educational and health services, which showed a 14,900 gain from a year ago. Manufacturing jobs were down 55,300; professional and business services down 36,300; and construction down 35,400 since February 2009.

Last week, the agency reported that statewide unemployment had reached 12.2 percent, but the figures were not yet seasonally adjusted. That means the numbers need to be seasonally adjusted to reflect the so-called peaks and valleys of the season or the weather. That makes it possible to provide a fair comparison, Rivara said.

The unemployment rate is not the same measurement as those collecting unemployment benefits. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment, regardless if they are eligible for unemployment insurance. Workers collecting benefits are counted separately. Therefore, a person who exhausts or is ineligible for unemployment insurance still would be reflected in the unemployment rate if they are seeking employment.