While unemployment is increasing nationwide, this upward trend is not the same in Central Illinois, where unemployment is steadily decreasing.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The Bureau of Labor Statistics released updated national unemployment numbers, with unemployment at 4.2% and 7.2 million Americans without jobs.

However, this upward trend is not the same in Central Illinois, where unemployment is steadily decreasing.

Executive Director of Workforce Investment Solutions Rocki Wilkerson said that the unemployment rate in Central Illinois is 5.1%, a decrease from 6.3% in 2024.

"That's an example of our community and how resilient we are," Wilkerson said.

Additionally, Wilkerson said Workforce Investment Solutions has seen a 52% increase in people coming in for help as compared to 2024.

"That tells me that people are reaching out. They want to know where the jobs are. 'How do I find the jobs? How do I write a resumé? How do I interview?'" Wilkerson explained.

Wilkerson said there are over 3,000 jobs available in the market, and that resources are continuing to expand.

"If you're in the job market, this is a good time to be in the job market. One, because of all the free services. And two, there's so much development going on with job training," Wilkerson said.

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