Local unemployment rates increased from November 2012 to November 2013

Looking at area unemployment numbers, it would seem the job market is not improving.  The November unemployment rate for La Salle was 10.7%, a jump over the same time last year when unemployment was 9.8%.

Bureau County unemployment in November was 9 percent, compared to 8.6% in November 2012.  Putnam County unemployment was 9.8%, an increase over 9.1% in November 2012.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the Ottawa-Streator area added manufacturing, construction and transportation and warehousing jobs but lost retail and wholesale trade jobs.