Construction employment inched up by 8,000 jobs to a 15-month high in July but remained far below the peak set in early 2006, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said a grim outlook for public sector construction activity will act as a drag on expanding private sector construction. They urged lawmakers to pass adequate long-term funding for public projects, without unnecessary strings attached. The industry unemployment rate fell from 17.3 percent a year earlier to 13.6 percent in July 2011, and the number of unemployed people who … Read more

Construction employment increased in 149 out of 337 metropolitan areas between June 2010 and June 2011, declined in 141 and stayed level in 47, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the local employment data posted slightly stronger gains largely because of growing private sector demand for construction. “A lot of metro areas appear to be benefitting from growing demand from the private sector for new construction,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Declining public sector demand is clearly taking a toll on just … Read more