EFFINGHAM —
The regional labor market in south central Illinois was relatively stable in November, according to statistics released Thursday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Most counties in the Effingham Daily News coverage area reported little change in the unemployment rate between October and November. Moreover, jobless rates in five of the seven area counties were lower this November than the previous November.
In Effingham County, the unemployment rate continued to slide in November, dropping to 6.5 percent from 6.7 percent in October and 7 percent the previous November.
Labor market economist Dennis Hoffman said seasonal employment increased, particularly with the plethora of retailers and restaurants in Effingham County. Hoffman added that employment throughout the area increased in the transportation, wholesale trade and professional-business services sectors.
While Hoffman said the largest number of job openings were in the health care and sales sectors, employment opportunities were also available in transportation, food service, computer related services, office and administrative support, and installation, maintenance and repair.
Only Jasper County reported a higher unemployment this November than one year earlier, with a 8.1 percent rate this November slightly ahead of the 8 percent rate the previous November, but below the 8.6 percent recorded this past October.
Unemployment rates in other area counties included Cumberland, 8.8 percent, down from 9.2 percent in October and 10.2 percent last November; Shelby, 8.8 percent, up from 8.4 percent in October, but down from 9.2 percent last November; Clay, 10.3 percent, the same as October, but down from 10.8 percent last November; Fayette, 9.4 percent, down from 9.5 percent in October and 10 percent last November; and Marion, 10.8 percent, down from 10.7 percent in October, but the same as last November.
Local News
December 28, 2012
Area unemployment rates stable
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