Illinois workers concerned about job loss, economy

The Illinois Employee Confidence Index decreased slightly to 51.4, dropping 0.8 points in October, according to the latest Spherion Employment Report, released on November 15. The monthly survey of Illinois workers, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Spherion Corporation, indicates that more workers are concerned about the strength of the economy and their job security.

Results from the Illinois Employment Report:

• Sixty-three percent of workers believe that the economy is getting weaker, an increase of 14 percentage points from the 49 percent who reported this in the previous month.
• More workers are concerned about job loss, with 19 percent reporting that they believe they are likely to lose their job in the next year, an 11-percentage-point increase from September.
• Forty-two percent of workers are likely to look for a new job in the next 12 months, an increase of 15 percentage points from the previous month.

"Concerns over the economy are widespread across the country, but our unemployment rate decreased in September and jobs continue to be created across the state – a good sign heading into the end of the year," said Michael Ruter, managing director of Spherion Professional Services in Chicago. "Overall, the state has seen positive job growth this year, especially in the insurance sectors, as well as positions in IT."