The latest unemployment figures from the Illinois Department of Employment Security show the continued impact of the Champion Laboratories closure in Albion, although Edwards County's jobless rate improved significantly from the previous month.
Edwards County posted the highest unemployment rate in the region at 11 percent in April, down from 14.9 percent in March but well above the 3.2 percent rate recorded a year ago. The county's unemployment rate has increased 7.8 percentage points over the past year.
Wabash County's unemployment rate stood at 4.6 percent in April, an improvement from 5.7 percent in March but up from 3 percent one year ago. Lawrence County recorded a 4.6 percent unemployment rate, while Richland County came in at 3.9 percent. Wayne County posted a rate of 5.2 percent.
Across the Olney-Mount Carmel labor market area, total nonfarm payroll employment declined by 950 jobs compared to April of last year.
The largest losses occurred in the manufacturing sector, which shed 650 jobs, reflecting the impact of the Champion Laboratories closure in Edwards County. Additional declines were reported in private education and health services, trade, transportation and utilities, government, financial activities, leisure and hospitality, and professional and business services.
The only sector posting year-over-year job growth was natural resources and mining, which added 25 jobs. Employment levels remained unchanged in construction, information services, and other services.
Despite recent improvements from March levels, unemployment rates throughout the area remain above where they were a year ago, with Edwards County continuing to experience the most significant effects from the loss of manufacturing jobs.