While the October jobless rate in Wabash County remained the same as the month before, the 4.5% figure is a big improvement over the 6.5% rate registered last October. Labor Market analyst Dennis Hoffman with the state’s department of employment security says the latest rates continued the downward trend…

The lowest rate in southern Illinois was again in Edwards County at 3.7% while the highest rate of 7.8% was in Alexander County.

Employment gains were reported in fall 2017 in Transportation and Health-Services in Southern Illinois. Payrolls in Recreation and Construction began to decline with seasonal layoffs. Over the year, employment advances were reported in Professional-Business Services, Retail Trade and Health Services. Payroll losses occurred in Mining, Information, and Financial Activities during the past year.

Numerous employment opportunities were advertised in Health Care, Transportation, and Sales in fall 2017. Many job openings were available in Office and Administrative Support, Management, and Food Preparation occupations. Career prospects were favorable in Social Services, Health Care Support, Education, Production, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair. Jobs were also advertised for Construction, Engineering, Business-Finance, and Personal Care Service occupations.

The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.