Chicago area unemployment hits 10.1 percent

CHICAGO - JUNE 04: Job seekers wait in line for a job fair June 4, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. The number of people collecting unemployment insurance dropped slightly for the first time in 20 weeks. The number of new jobless claims also fell. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

BY DAVID ROEDER~Chicago Sun-Times

The Chicago’s area’s unemployment rate rose in September to 10.1 percent, state officials said today.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security said the region’s jobless rate increased from 9.6 percent in August and from 6.2 percent in September 2008. The statistics are not adjusted for seasonal trends.

The agency said jobless rates rose in all 12 metropolitan areas in Illinois.

“Just like past economic downturns, Illinois followed the nation into this recession and it will follow the nation out of it,” said agency director Maureen O’Donnell. She said workers should upgrade their skills and get career counseling, using her agency and its partners.

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