Overview
IDES operates the state's unemployment insurance program (both benefits
and revenue collection), the Illinois employment services, veterans programs,
job training and other special workforce development programs for the unemployed
and underemployed, and measures and analyzes the state's economy and workforce
through its labor market information program.
Unemployment Insurance
To assist unemployed workers and to help stabilize
a dynamic economy, IDES administers the state's
Unemployment Insurance (UI) system. This employer-funded program provides
temporary income-replacement for individual workers who lose their jobs
through no fault of their own. The UI system maintains a level of financial
security and support, allowing for the innovation and economic development
that can restore old jobs and create new ones.
Labor Market Information
IDES economists collect, analyze and disseminate
the state's employment data in cooperation with the U.S. Department of
Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Employment and Training Administration
(ETA). The new "One
Source" information gateway offers an impressive list of published
products, including career and occupational statistics, unemployment rates,
wage levels and employment projections.LMI reports help monitor
and forecast national, statewide and local economic trends. They also help
Illinois employers and job seekers make career, education and economic
development decisions.
Employment Services
IDES staff provide employment
services and guidance to workers, job seekers, and employers through
a statewide network of Illinois workNet Centers or an IDES
mobile office. Also, web-based services can be obtained through the
Illinois Skills
Match system and Illinois
Job Bank (part of America's Job Bank).
Veterans
IDES offices have Veterans Employment Representatives to assist with
job search efforts
and other veterans benefits. Many employers list their job openings
with IDES and specifically recruit veterans.
Job Training
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) combines federally-funded job training
programs in Illinois into a "workforce
development" system where individuals can find a job or train
for a new career. This system emphasizes "work first", getting
adults and dislocated workers back into the workforce as quickly as possible.
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