Illinois’ leisure and hospitality sector has added 94,200 jobs since April, but remains down 223,200 jobs since February.
Continued unemployment claims in Illinois remain virtually unchanged since mid-April. Other states are getting back to work.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security has been under fire throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as millions waited for unemployment relief.
With small businesses and seasonal attractions closed, most of Illinois’ youth find themselves spending a summer without a job. COVID-19 isn’t the only reason, however.
27,412 loans for at least $150K were made in Illinois through the Payroll Protection Program. See who got what.
"I try to build rapport and relationship with all my clients. They would see each other at the shop and now we sort of have a networking system shattered."
The most optimistic forecast shows 20% of Illinois’ food service business closures will be permanent. But up to 85% of restaurants expect to close permanently.
Illinois’ second minimum wage increase this year is part of a plan to hit $15 an hour in 2025. Small businesses face tough decisions on cutting staff or raising prices.
A study from WalletHub ranks Illinois 50th-most severe on COVID-19 restrictions on bars and restaurants. 233,500 jobs were lost in that sector since February.
Unemployment claims remain five times higher than normal, but the nation’s second-harshest restaurant restrictions have hit that job sector hardest.
“It’s a spider web of things. They don’t realize how much this all affects everything. They don’t realize every July 1st the gas tax goes up. Eventually it’s going to affect my business."
While May’s jobs report showed what could be the beginning of a bounce back in total employment for the state, growth was concentrated primarily among white workers. Black and Hispanic workers were left behind.
“There are not many stores open in downtown Springfield. With the few that are open, we’re thinking if this continues, will we survive it?"
Up to 130,000 Illinois homeowners could fall behind on their mortgage payments if state lawmakers fail to provide relief.