BUSINESS MEMO: ILLINOIS UNEMPLOYMENT

Unemployment in deep Southern Illinois followed the state trend by declining in all but one of 22 counties, according to the Department of Employment Security report for the area.

The only increase in unemployment in the southern area was in Pulaski, where the rate was 9.9 up from 9.8 percent a month ago.

Unemployment declined in Alexander County, from 9.7 percent in March, to 8.5 percent. Massac County recorded the lowest unemployment rate in the Southern Illinois area, at 3.8, down from 4.4 in March, and Union County was down, from 10.1 in March to 8.5.

Williamson County reported 7.4 unemployment; Jackson County, 4.2; Pope County, 10.1; Johnson, 9.1; and Saline, 7.8, all down from March readings.

Illinois recorded a 4.1 percent unemployment, down from 4.8 of March and 4.6 of April a year ago. The national unemployment rate was at 4.1 percent.