Illinois’ April jobs loss is the largest in state history
Illinois shed 762,200 jobs in April, 12.5 times greater than worst month on record

CHICAGO (May 22, 2020) – The first full month of the statewide shutdown resulted in Illinois’ largest jobs loss in history. State and national labor data released Thursday revealed Illinois lost 762,200 jobs from mid-March through mid-April, which according to Illinois Policy Institute analysis, is 12.5 times greater than the worst month on record.This brings the current estimated real-time unemployment rate above 24%, according to Illinois Policy Institute experts.  March estimates were also revised to show the state lost 60,900 jobs – nearly twice what was originally reported – the second largest monthly decline for Illinois in recorded history.

While all industries have experienced economic decline from the pandemic, the leisure and hospitality sector was hit hardest during the month, losing 295,300, or 50% of all positions.

Total non-farm payrolls throughout the state have now fallen to their lowest levels since 1993.