Analysis Reports Construction Employment Slips by 20K in May, Supply-Chain Problems Plague Nonresidential Contractors

Construction employment declined for the third time in the past four months in May as nonresidential contractors coped with lengthening and unpredictable delivery times that limited their ability to start or complete projects, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials added that many contractors report they are having a hard time finding qualified workers to hire as some people remain reluctant to return to work while their children are learning from home, or they are collecting elevated unemployment supplements. “Steadily worsening production and delivery delays have exceeded even the record cost … Read more

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April Construction Employment Remains Below Pre-Pandemic Peak in 36 States, Reports AGC

Construction employment in April remained below the pre-pandemic high set in February 2020 in 36 states and the District of Columbia, despite increases from March to April in 26 states, according to a recently released analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data. Association officials said that the sector’s recovery was being undermined by increases in materials prices, delays in receiving key construction supplies and labor shortages.   “Today’s numbers show that construction has yet to fully recover from the effects of the pandemic in most parts of the country,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief … Read more

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AGC Reports Construction Employment Declines in 203 Metro Areas March 2020-March 2021 Despite Homebuilding Boom, Improving Economy

Construction employment decreased from March 2020 to March 2021 in 203, or 57%, of the nation’s metro areas, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data recently released. Association officials said the industry’s broader recovery in many parts of the country is being hampered by rising materials prices, supply chain disruptions and project cancellations.   “Nearly twice as many metros have lost construction jobs as gained them in the past 12 months, even though homebuilding has recovered strongly and the overall economy is in much better shape than it was a year ago,” … Read more

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Construction Employment in March Remains Below March 2020 Levels, Says AGC

Construction employment in March remained below March 2020 levels in 35 states despite a sizzling homebuilding market and a strong recovery from severe winter weather, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data. Association officials cautioned, however, that a host of challenges, including continued project cancellations, rising materials prices and supply chain uncertainties are making business conditions for contractors difficult.   “Nonresidential contractors are coping with a depleted list of projects, extreme cost increases and unprecedented supply-chain problems,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “These headwinds are likely to keep industry employment … Read more

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Construction Employment Rebounds in March, Rising Costs + More Threaten Outlook Says AGC

Construction employment climbed by 110,000 in March as the industry recovered from severe winter weather that pushed employment down by 56,000 in February, according to a recent analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials said they were encouraged by the recent job gains and the potential for new infrastructure investments. But they cautioned that rising prices and erratic delivery schedules for key construction materials — as documented in their recent Construction Inflation Alert – and continued project cancellations could undermine the sector’s recovery. “The rebound in March is certainly good news, but contractors face … Read more

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