CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–June 14, 2012. The unemployment rate fell for the ninth consecutive month to reach 8.6 percent in May, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The data is seasonally adjusted. The last time the May rate was below 8.6 percent was February 2009 when it was 8.5 percent. Illinois non-farm payroll employment edged lower by 1,800 jobs.
