The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.8 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +12,700 in March, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The February revised unemployment rate was 4.8 percent, unchanged from the preliminary February unemployment rate. The February monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +23,100 to +26,700 jobs. The March unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
In March, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Government (+3,300), Leisure and Hospitality (+2,900), and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+2,400). The industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included Financial Activities (-1,100), and Mining (-100).