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Illinois Economy

Illinois Leads Nation In Improvement in Unemployment

Illinois had one of the stronger showings in the nation in new jobs last month and it led the way nationally with a a 2.5% drop in unemployment from September of last year to September of this year.

Figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics show Illinois added more than 19,000 jobs last month, marking the second largest increase in the nation. 

Illinois trailed only Texas in month over month employment.

The biggest gains came in  professional and business services.   That includes more accounting jobs which have increased in the Chicago area.  

Transportation and utilities also showed more hiring.      Manufacturing and construction jobs were off a bit in September.  

Illinois also saw the largest unemployment rate decrease in the nation,.as the overall jobless rate in the past year for the state fell 2.5% to 6.6%.   In September of 2013, the rate was at 9.1%.

Nationally the jobless rate is at 5.9%.

Bill is a former general manager, economy reporter, Harvest correspondent and Statehouse Bureau Chief for NPR Illinois. He has won several awards including the Associated Press Best Investigative Reporter.
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