State jobs data shows mixed results

Employment increased year-over-year in the Chicago region and all 14 Illinois metropolitan areas in November, according to preliminary data released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

However, the unemployment rate increased in five metropolitan areas, decreased in four and was unchanged in five.

In Chicago and its suburbs, non farm-related jobs in November increased to 3.84 million from 3.7 million in the same month last year. However, the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.5%.

The Chicago region, which includes Naperville and Arlington Heights but excludes Lake County and Elgin, saw 39,600 new jobs in the Leisure-Hospitality category, according to the report. The Professional-Business Services category was up 28,100 jobs, Educational-Health Services up 19,200 and Manufacturing up 11,300, showing the largest payroll gains over the year. Employment declines were reported in Financial Activities, down 100 jobs.