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Illinois’ High Unemployment Rate Triggers Hiring Requirements

Illinois’ High Unemployment Rate Triggers Hiring Requirements

June 1, 2026

Contractors on public works are now required to hire 90% of their workforce from Illinois

Due to Illinois’ high unemployment rate, contractors on public works projects are now required to meet a 90%-Illinois-worker standard.

Per the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act, contractors on public works must hire 90% of their workers from Illinois when unemployment in Illinois exceeds 5% for two consecutive months.

Illinois’ unemployment rate exceeded 5% in both March and April.

Per the recent unemployment statistics, Illinois’ unemployment rate in April was 5.1%.

Contractors on public works who fail to ensure that 90% of their workforce is from Illinois could face civil penalties and lawsuits.

In April, Illinois had one of the highest unemployment rates in the U.S. and the highest in the Midwest.

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