Unemployment numbers from the Illinois Department of Employment Security shows slightly higher numbers in the area for August compared to July, and quite a bit higher from August of last year.
Clay County’s unemployment for August was reported at 6.3 percent, up from 6.1 percent in July and 1.5 percent from August of last year. Jefferson County’s unemployment for August was 5.8 percent compared to 5.7 percent in July and one percent higher than a year ago. Marion County had an August unemployment rate of 5.9 percent, up from 5.8 percent in July and up 1.3 percent from the same time a year ago.
The IDES said there were 675 more jobs in August than a year ago, with most of the increase coming in the government sector, which saw a gain of about 300 jobs. Gains were also noted in the Professional and Business Services, Educational and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality and Construction sectors.