(SPRINGFIELD, IL) — The Illinois Department of Employment Security has released the results of the June unemployment rates. Workforce conditions in most counties throughout South Central Illinois moderately improved as joblessness declined compared to one year ago. Stable labor market conditions prevailed in the summer of 2016. Over the year, employment increases were reported in Transportation and Health Services in South Central Illinois.  Payroll gains also occurred in Wholesale Trade and Retail Trade. Employment expansions this summer were reported in Construction, Recreation, and Hospitality. Payrolls also increased in Other Services which includes auto and machinery repair and personal services. Mining, Manufacturing, Information, and Government employment steadily decreased during the past year. Employment opportunities were advertised in Transportation, Health Care, and Office and Administrative Support in the summer of 2016. Job openings 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 continued to be 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 Jefferson County, July unemployment was at 6.6 percent, up from 6.4% in June, but down from 7.1 percent in July 2015. Marion County was at 6.3 percent, steady from June and down from 7.2 percent from a year ago. Hamilton County was at 5.7 percent, which was up from 5.3 percent last month, as well as up from a 5.3 percent showing for the July 2015. Clinton County was at 4.1 percent, down .1% from last month, and down .5% percent from last year. Washington County was at 3.8 percent for the month, up from 3.7% in June, and down from 3.9 percent last year. Wayne County’s unemployment rate is at 8.2 percent, down .2% from last month and up from 7.1% last year at this time.