The unemployment rate in construction dropped to the lowest April level in seven years as contractors added 32,000 workers to payrolls in April, bringing industry employment to 6.0 million, the highest level since June 2009, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials warned that it is essential to revive and expand training opportunities before the industry runs short of workers. “It is heartening that all categories of construction employers added workers, not only in April but over the past 12 months,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Moreover, contractors … Read more

Construction employment expanded in 197 metro areas, declined in 87 and was stagnant in 55 between March 2013 and March 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted, however, that construction employment stands to suffer if Congress allows federal highway funding to stop this summer. “Much of the country experienced relatively robust growth in construction employment during the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But the fact construction employment remains below prior peak levels in most areas shows just how hard hit the … Read more