Construction employment declined in 91 metro areas and was stagnant in another 24 between February 2020, the last month before the pandemic, and May 2021, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data. They said the high number of metro areas losing construction jobs during that time frame reflected the impacts of early pandemic shutdowns and more recent challenges procuring construction materials and finding qualified workers to hire.   “The devastating job losses of early 2020 and more recent materials and labor challenges since then have kept industry employment stagnant or lower this … Read more

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