(SPRINGFIELD, IL) — The Illinois Department of Employment Security has released the results of the August unemployment rates. Labor market conditions gradually improved throughout most of South Central Illinois during the past year. Stable workforce conditions prevailed in the summer of 2016. The data is not seasonally adjusted. Over the year, employment gains were reported in Transportation and Health Services in South Central Illinois. Payroll advances also occurred in Wholesale Trade and Retail Trade. Employment expansions this summer were reported in Construction, Recreation, and Hospitality. Manufacturing, Information, and Government employment steadily declined during the past year. Employment opportunities were advertised in Transportation, Health Care, Sales, and Office and Administrative Support in late summer of 2016. Job openings were reported in Management, Food Preparation, and Production occupations. Workers were needed in Computer Services, Engineering, Finance, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair. Building and Grounds 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, August unemployment was at 6.5 percent, down from 6.6% in July, and down from 7.1 percent in August 2015. Marion County was at 6.2 percent, down from 6.3 percent in July and down from 6.9 percent from a year ago. Hamilton County was at 6.1 percent, which was up from 5.7 percent last month, as well as up from a 5.5 percent showing for the August 2015. Clinton County was at 4.1 percent, steady from last month, and down .3% percent from last year. Washington County was at 3.8 percent for the month, steady from both July and from last year. Wayne County’s unemployment rate is at 8.4 percent, up .2% from last month and up from 6.9% last year at this time.