SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Employment Security has released the results of the May unemployment rates Unemployment increased throughout South Central Illinois when compared with one year ago.

Stable labor market conditions prevailed in the first five months of 2016. The data is not seasonally adjusted. Over the year, employment advances were reported in Transportation and Health Services in South Central Illinois.

Payroll gains also occurred in Manufacturing and Professional-Business Services. Seasonal employment expansions occurred in Construction, Retail Trade, Recreation, and Agriculture.

Mining, Information, and Government employment declined during the past year. Employment opportunities were advertised in Transportation, Health Care, and Office and Administrative Support in the spring of 2016. Job openings also were reported in Sales, Management, Food Preparation, and Production occupations.

Workers were needed in Computer Services, Engineering, Finance, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair. Building and Ground Maintenance workers were also in demand.

The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment.

A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.

In Marion County May unemployment was at 6.5 percent, down from 6.8 percent in April but up from 6.1 percent from a year ago.

Jefferson County, May unemployment was at 6.5 percent, down from 6.7% in March, but up from 6.3 percent in May 2015.

Clinton County was at 4.3 percent, down .4% from last month, but up .2 percent from last year. Washington County was at 3.9 percent for the second month in a row, but up from 3.6 percent last year.