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.

Topics:

Labor

State:

Illinois

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