Construction employment declined in 28 states from October 2011 to October 2012 even as 31 states and D.C. added jobs during the past month, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials noted that residential construction gains were being undermined by the broader business uncertainty being caused by the threat of the looming fiscal cliff. “The industry remains stuck in neutral, with close balance each month between the number of states that add or lose construction jobs,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Despite a strong pickup in homebuilding and … Read more

Construction employers added 17,000 jobs in October while the industry’s unemployment rate fell to 11.4 percent, according to an analysis of new federal data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that total construction employment levels have changed little during the past year while the declines in the industry's unemployment rate are coming as more former workers leave the industry. “Despite five consecutive months of construction employment gains, the overall employment picture is essentially unchanged from a year ago,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Construction employment appears stuck in a state of mild monthly … Read more

Construction employment declined in 160 out of 337 metropolitan areas between September 2011 and September 2012, increased in 125 and was stagnant in 52, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that construction employment in many areas continued to decline as construction activity is put on hold amid uncertainty about federal tax and investment programs and declining public sector demand. “A lot of project owners appear to be taking a time out until Washington officials can set tax rates for next year and figure out what to … Read more