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

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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

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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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Construction Employment in December Trails Pre-Pandemic Levels in 34 States

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Construction employment in December remained below pre-pandemic levels in two-thirds of the states even though 37 states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs from November to December, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data. Association officials said the new data highlights how broadly the industry has been impacted by the pandemic and underscores the need for additional coronavirus recovery measures.   “While most states recorded construction employment gains in December, the pickup is likely to be temporary for many,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Participants in our association’s … Read more

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One-Third Metro Areas Add Construction Jobs in Latest 12 Months

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Only 30% of the nation’s metro areas added construction jobs in the past year, according to an analysis of new government data that the Associated General Contractors of America released. Association officials said construction employment in most parts of the country was being impacted by the pandemic as businesses and local governments curtail planned construction projects. “The pandemic has devastated the finances for businesses, institutions and state and local governments, leading to widespread postponements and cancellations of construction projects,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “As contractors use up the funds from Paycheck Protection Program loans, even more job … Read more

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Construction Employment Continues to Decline, AGC Calls for New Relief Steps

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Construction employment decreased from June to July in 26 states and the District of Columbia as earlier widespread job gains gave way to more project cancellations, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data. Association officials said construction employment is likely to continue falling in many parts of the country without new federal recovery measures, including liability reform and new infrastructure funding. “Renewed outbreaks of coronavirus in numerous states likely caused many project owners and investors to pull back on planned construction,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Meanwhile, budget problems in … Read more

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