(SPRINGFIELD, IL) — The Illinois Department of Employment Security has released the results of the January unemployment rates. Expected seasonal layoffs increased unemployment in January 2017 throughout South Central Illinois. The data is not seasonally adjusted. Typical seasonal layoffs in Construction, Retail Trade and Leisure-Hospitality dominated the January 2017 labor market conditions. Over the year, employment gains were reported in Transportation and in Health Services in South Central Illinois. Mining, Information, and State and Local Government employment continued to steadily decline during the past year. Numerous employment opportunities were available in Transportation, Health Care, Sales, and Office and Administrative Support at the beginning of 2017. Many job openings were advertised in Management, Food Preparation, Computer, and Production occupations. Workers were needed in Health Care Support, Engineering, and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair. 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, January unemployment was at 7.8 percent, up 1.3% from December and .5% from January 2016. Marion County was at 7.7 percent, up from 6.1 percent in December, and the same from a year ago. Hamilton County was at 7.3 percent, up from 5.6% a month ago, and up from a 7.2% percent showing for December 2015. Clinton County was at 5.7 percent, up 1.3% from last month, and up .1% percent from last year. Washington County was at 4.7 percent for the month, up 1% from last month, but down .1% from last year. Wayne County’s unemployment rate is at 9.3 percent, also up 1% from last month, and up .2% from last year at this time.