Illinois has largest increase in unemployment since 1991.

The unemployment rate in Illinois has continued its climb reaching 8.6%. The previous recorded figure was 7.8%, unemployment increased by 0.8%.

The increase in unemployment is believed to be a rippling effect of the struggling automobile industry. Many of the manufacturing jobs that supply the automobile industry saw a loss of over 16,000 jobs. Over the past 12 months manufacturing has seen the loss of 52,000 jobs.

Construction saw a slow down in job losses. 300 jobs were lost in construction, mainly due to the still declining housing market.

Government jobs, which have a history of skirting recessions, saw a loss of 700 jobs.

On a brighter note, health services and education sectors saw job growth.