Joliet unemployment climbs to 12.2 percent

The unemployment rate in Joliet rose back up to more than 12 percent in September.

The rate increased from 11.9 percent in August to 12.2 percent, according to statistics released recently by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. But the rate is down from highs in the 13 percent and 14 percent range that held from April through July.

The unemployment rate also ticked upward slightly for Will County. It rose from 9.5 percent in August to 9.9 percent in September. The rate had been at 10 and 11 percent from April through July, however.

Other county unemployment rate changes from August to September included:

Bolingbrook: 9.4 percent to 9.9 percent.

Homer Glen: 7.7 percent to 8.2 percent.

Plainfield: 9.2 percent to 8.9 percent.

Romeoville: 9.6 to 10.2 percent

Grundy County: 11.0 percent to 11.4 percent.

Kendall County: 10.1 to 10.4 percent.

The Illinois unemployment rate for September increased 0.5 percent to 10.5 percent, according to the IDES. It is the highest level since October 1983. The three-month moving average increased 0.1 percent to 10.3 percent, its highest level since December 1983.

"As we anticipate the approaching economic rebound and subsequent recovery, individuals are encouraged to use this time to explore training and educational opportunities to develop the job skills that will be in demand," Director Maureen O'Donnell said.

Illinois nonfarm payroll reported 14,200 fewer jobs in September than the previous month, the 20th consecutive monthly loss.

The state job total of 5,634,700, is at its lowest jobs level since December 1995. Nationally, the September unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percent to reach 9.8 percent, the highest rate since 1983.

Total nonfarm payroll fell for the 21st consecutive month, bringing total national job loss to 7.2 million since the onset of the recession in December 2007.

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