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Politics & Government

Unemployment Rates Drop in Lake County

Illinois Department of Employment Security reports unemployment rates drop fourth consecutive month across the state.

Lake County unemployment figures fell 2 percent to a non-seasonally adjusted 10.5 percent in March from 12.5 percent the same period a year ago, as counties statewide also see the rates fall for the fourth consecutive month, according to data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

Greg Rivara, communication manager for the Illinois Department of Employment Security, said non-seasonally adjusted data shows unemployment rates has also fallen in every metropolitan area for a record seventh consecutive month. This has not occurred since the data set began in 1984.

“While it is gratifying to look month-to-month, the long-term trends show where we were and where we are going,” Rivara said.

Across Illinois, the March unemployment rate was 9.1 percent, compared with 12.1 percent at the peak of the economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the rate was 9.2 percent in March down from 10.6 percent from the January 2010 peak.

Since January 2010, Illinois has added 90,000 jobs. Rivara said of those, 39,000 have been added to the professional and business sector. Another 25,000 have been added in the education and health sector; 22,000 in trade, transportation and utilities and 10,000 jobs in manufacturing.

“The fact that four sectors are moving in a positive direction is encouraging news as to Illinois’ place in this recovery following the recession,” he said.

Rivara said recovery is coming to Illinois. But no one will claim that recovery has touched every door step.

“The data shows the decisions being made are bringing job growth back to Illinois,” he said.

Rivara said it will be challenging to determine how the state moves forward. Those who ended their search to raise their family or go to school may re-energize their work search. As the unemployment rate identifies those people as looking for work, rates may fluctuate.

The key to achieving success is tied to education or vocational training. Rivara said it is crucial to identify skills, determine what career paths these skills may be suited and then seek training to improve those skills.

“Those who do not seek to improve their skills will not put themselves in a position to succeed,” he said.

Among resources available within Lake County is Fresh Start of Illinois, a Libertyville non-profit that offers mutual support and educational forums for those who have become unemployed or are in danger of becoming unemployment.

Fresh Start offers professional help, including resume review, interview practice and various workshops to address career transition.

Fresh Start of Illinois is at 1512 Artaius Parkway, Suite 102, Libertyville. The office is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. For information, call (847) 521-3910 or e-mail to info@freshstartofillinois.org.

Another resource available to job seekers is the Job Center of Lake County. The center offers Internet access to search job posting boards and apply, staff to assist with career planning and job search questions and workshops to improve success in finding employment.

The center operates at 800 Lancer Lane on the College of Lake County campus in Grayslake. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call (847) 543-7400.

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