Construction Spending Remains Steady in July, Up by 5.6% for First Seven Months of 2016

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Construction spending remained steady in July compared to June but is up by 5.6 percent for the first seven months of the year compared to same period in 2015, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the growth in construction spending is occurring as most construction firms report they are having a hard time finding skilled craft workers to keep pace with demand. “On balance, there is still strong demand for construction, especially for multifamily and private nonresidential structures, while home building continues an uneven recovery,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. … Read more

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Data on Severity of Construction Worker Shortages to be Released Aug. 31

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At 1 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Aug. 31, the Associated General Contractors of America will release new data showing the severity of construction worker shortages nationwide and by region and state* during a media conference call at 800-874-4559 (verbal pass code TURM15731). The new data is based on a comprehensive survey of construction firms and includes data on how many firms are coping with labor shortages and what some of the possible causes are for tight labor conditions. Stephen Sandherr, the association’s CEO, will release the new worker shortage data and identify measures public officials should take to increase the … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases in June Year-Over-Year Amid Qualified Worker Shortage

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Construction employment increased in 228 out of 358 metro areas, was unchanged in 48 and declined in 82 between June 2015 and June 2016, according to a new analysis of federal employment data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged Congress to act on legislation to reform and increase federal funding for career and technical education to encourage more high school students to pursue high-paying careers in construction. “Contractors are adding employees in most parts of the country, while construction job losses are primarily in areas that are most affected by the steep decline in … Read more

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Construction Employment Rises Year-Over-Year, Qualified Workers Grow Scarce

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Construction employment increased in 39 states between June 2015 and June 2016, although half the states shed construction jobs between May and June, according to analysis of Labor Department data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the flattening of monthly employment gains and losses indicates the urgency of beefing up programs to attract, train and retain construction workers. “Construction demand is still growing strongly in all regions and among many types of owners,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association. “But contractors appear to be struggling to fill jobs in the short run.” … Read more

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Construction Employment Stalls in June

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Construction employment was unchanged from May to June, but an increase in hourly pay and longer workweeks, along with shrinking numbers of unemployed construction workers, suggest contractors would hire more workers if they were available, according to recent analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the lack of available qualified workers for firms to hire appears to be holding back employment growth and urged Congress to pass legislation to reform and increase funding for career and technical education. “Construction employment stalled in June after declining in April and May, but unemployment among construction workers is at … Read more

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