FREEPORT (AP) – The state unemployment office in Freeport is closing at the end of year.

Illinois Department of Employment Security spokesman Greg Rivara tells The Journal-Standard that Freeport was chosen because the branch has one of the lowest demands for services statewide. Rivara also says the lease on the branch’s office expires at the end of the year, when the office will close.

Rivara says the 11 people who work in the office won’t be laid off. Instead he said the positions will be absorbed into offices in Rockford and Sterling.