Unemployment Rates Continue to Drop

Unemployment rates continue to drop throughout the area, with Effingham County's rate for June at 4.2%. The rate is down from 5.1% one year earlier.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security said unemployed decreased in all 18 counties in south central Illinois when compared with one year ago.

Over the year, employment gains were reported in wholesale trade, retail trade, transportation, and professional/business services. Payrolls in health care services continued to increase. Seasonal payroll advances occurred in leisure/hospitality and other services. Construction activity, especially road, school and commercial projects remained at high levels this summer.

Numerous employment opportunities in June were advertised in health care and transportation. Job openings also were reported in office and administrative support, sales, management, and production occupations. Employment opportunities included jobs in computer services, engineering, food services, and installation, maintenance and repair occupations. Workers were also needed for building and grounds maintenance and construction occupations.

Area counties, and their June jobless rates: Coles--6.0%, down from 7.2%...Cumberland--4.7%, down from 5.8%...Shelby--5.4%, down from 6.6%...Clay--6.1%, down from 7.6%...Fayette--5.6%, down from 7.5%...and Jasper--5.2%, down from 6.2% in June 2014.