Illinois jobless rate drops but so does number of workers

Illinois’ unemployment rate dropped to 5.6 percent in August but state officials point out that the number of people with jobs also declined.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security said in its monthly report on statewide unemployment Thursday that the jobless rate fell from 5.8 percent in July.

Nationwide unemployment was 5.1 percent in August.

The department said Illinois lost a net 900 jobs in August. The number of unemployed workers fell 3 percent to 362,500.

Department director Jeff Mays said the figures indicate many people continue to leave the workforce.

The largest job gains for August were the net 2,600 jobs added by financial activities firms and 2,300 jobs added in the health services industry.

Illinois manufacturers cut a net 2,200 jobs for the month.