Illinois Unemployment Rate Holds Steady as Manufacturing Activity Rises in May

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois’ unemployment rate held steady at 5.1 percent in April while nonfarm payrolls increased by 11,400 jobs, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. State officials said the largest monthly job gains came in trade, transportation and utilities, leisure and hospitality, and private education and health services. Professional and business services, financial activities, and government reported job losses during the month. Compared with a year ago, Illinois had 4,500 fewer nonfarm jobs overall. IDES reported 337,300 people were unemployed in April, an increase of 12.7 percent from the same month last year. Separately, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago reported its Manufacturing Activity Index increased from plus 26 in April to plus 38 in May, while its broader economic conditions index declined from plus 20 to plus 12, showing economic growth slowed but remained above trend.