The Northwest Herald reported that Illinois' jobless rates fell for the first time in nearly four years. But before you pop the champagne corks, keep in mind that the jobless rate for April still was a dismal 11.2 percent; that's a slight improvement over the state's 11.5 percent unemployment rate recorded for March.
The Illinois Dept. of Employment Security reported that the state added 19,100 jobs in April. IDES Director Maureen O'Donnell said in a statement that while the figures are encouraging, it's too soon to celebrate:
"As jobs are created and people re-enter the work force encouraged about their ability to find a job, the unemployment rate might fluctuate for several months before stabilizing."
It's also important to point out that 4,000 of those new jobs reported last month, more than 20 percent, were government jobs; most of them temporary gigs with the U.S. Census Bureau.
The U.S. Labor Dept. said new claims for unemployment benefits rose nationally by 25,000, the largest increase in three months, according to the Associated Press. Fears over the European economy continued to fan the flames of a possible double-dip recession around the world and here in Chicago.
Losing one's job is always difficult but FindLaw provides several solid resources to help jobless Chicagoans cope, whether you're trying to cut household costs, searching for work or filing for unemployment insurance benefits.
And if you believe you lost your job as a result of discrimination or some other wrongful means of termination, as summarized by FindLaw, Illinois employment lawyers are qualified to help you assert your rights; they often provide a free initial consultation.
Related Resources:
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Wrongful Termination Claims (FindLaw)
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Unemployment Insurance: Overview (FindLaw)
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Top 6 Posts on Unemployment (FindLaw's Law & Daily Life Blog)
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Contact a Chicago Employment Lawyer (FindLaw)
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