Illinois Unemployment Rate Rises Slightly As Payroll Jobs Increase

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois unemployment rate rose to 5.1 percent in March, up from 5.0 percent in February and 4.6 percent a year ago, while nonfarm payrolls increased by 8,400 jobs to 6,145,500, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The largest job gains were in private education and health services, while declines were seen in trade, transportation and utilities, financial activities, and manufacturing. Compared to a year ago, total jobs were down by 4,300. The number of unemployed people rose to 334,700, up 1.9 percent from February.