CHAMPAIGN (AP) – Unemployment continued its slow drop across Illinois in May, though data released Thursday shows some job sectors hinting that the state could be following the country into a period of economic doldrums.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported unemployment fell last month to 8.6 percent, marking the ninth straight monthly decrease. The jobless rate in April was 8.7 percent.

But net employment fell in Illinois by 1,800 jobs in May, after just 100 jobs were added in April. An unexpectedly strong 9,100 jobs were added in March.