Private sector employment in Illinois fell year-over-year in September, according to a report released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Public sector employment rose, however, offsetting private sector job losses in the state.

Year-over-year, Illinois saw an increase of 43,500 government jobs in September and a decrease of 8,100 private sector jobs, resulting in a net increase of 35,400 jobs. Professional and business service jobs were hit the hardest, with the sector shedding 32,000 jobs. The financial activities sector lost 9,000 jobs.

The sectors with the most jobs gained were government (43,500 jobs) and private education and health services (28,500 jobs).

Illinois’ top three employment sectors in September were: 1) trade, transportation, and utilities (1,229,700); 2) private education and health services (1,003,100); and 3) government (857,000).