Tom Austin from the Illinois Department of Employment Security says at the same time payrolls in this area increased by 5,700 jobs.
"With the greatest growth being in the manufacturing sector, education and health services, government, and construction. Over the year we did see declines in industries such as professional and business services and retail trade."
And just like the rest of the country, he says labor shortages here are holding back employment and economic growth.
"As people re-evaluate what occupation they want to work in, look for re-training and new occupations. On the positive side we've seen great strides from where we were a year ago."
Statewide in Illinois, the unemployment rate fell from the previous year in all 14 major metro areas for the 7th month in a row.
