New unemployment numbers released today show more bad news for Illinois’ job picture.
Unemployment numbers are up across Illinois, but the Kankakee and Rockford areas were hardest hit. The unemployment rate in both went up nearly one percentage point from September to October. Rockford’s unemployment was the worst in the state. It clocked-in at just under 10-percent. The city’s suffered from job losses in the manufacturing sector - many related to the downturn in the auto industry.
The only part of Illinois to see unemployment hold steady last month was the Chicago area. It held at 6.4-percent, which is still two points higher than last year.
Statewide, Illinois’ unemployment rate is slightly above the national average.
I’m Sam Hudzik, Chicago Public Radio.