The unemployment rate in Illinois increased slightly in June while manufacturers and local governments cut more jobs than they added.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security says unemployment increased to 9.2% last month. That was up from 9.1% in May. June's figure ended two months of decreasing unemployment. Employers around the state added a net 5,400 non-farm jobs for the month. And department Director Jay Rowell says the net 9,000 jobs added by private-sector employers is an encouraging sign that they're optimistic about the future.
Meanwhile, manufacturers cut a net 1,600 jobs for the month. Illinois' manufacturing had been one of the state's strongest employment sectors until recent months. Construction firms added 5,400 jobs in June.
