Unemployment Soars Locally

OTTAWA – The local unemployment rate soared in April, after the impact from layoffs due to Cornavirus shutdowns took hold.  In figures released Friday, by the Illinois Department of Employment Security, LaSalle County had, in April, an unemployment rate of 18.4%, or 1 and a half points higher than the state, and 4 percentage points higher than the nation.  LaSalle County’s pre-pandemic rate in March was 4.6%, exactly in line with the state average.  Bureau County in April had a lower than state average, 13.7 percent, and Putnam County was 16.7%, about the same as the state as a whole.
Economists believe that it may take years before the unemployment rate returns to its record low, which occurred in February of this year.  However, some business leaders disagree, feeling employment should bounce back quickly as lockdowns and shelter in place orders are rescinded.