Construction Employment Increases by 44K in January, 142K Over 12 Months

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Construction employment increased by 44,000 jobs in January and by 142,000 over the past 12 months, as the industry’s unemployment rate hit a new January low, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the employment gains are happening at a time when most construction firms expect demand for all types of construction to remain strong.   “Construction accounted for one-fifth of all jobs added in January, even though the industry makes up less than 5% of total employment,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, noting that the … Read more

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AGC Reports on December Construction Employment Analysis

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Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between December 2018 and December 2019, while construction employment increased in 29 states from November to December, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data.  Officials added that most contractors expect to continue adding to their payrolls in 2020, according to the results of the association’s annual construction forecast. “Construction employment consistently expanded in at least two-thirds of the states throughout 2019, even though contractors reported difficulty in finding qualified workers all year long,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “As long … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases in 38 States, D.C. from November 2018 to November 2019

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Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between November 2018 and November 2019, while construction employment increased in 18 states from October to November, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials noted that a survey it recently released found most contractors expect to keep adding workers in 2020 but they are finding it hard to fill positions and anticipate it will continue to be hard to hire employees. “It is encouraging that so many contractors were able to add employees even with overall unemployment at a 50-year … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases in 231 out of 358 Metro Areas from October 2018 to October 2019

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Construction employment grew in 231, or 65%, out of 358 metro areas between October 2018 and October 2019, declined in 69 and was unchanged in 58, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said hourly craftworker positions remain difficult to fill despite the widespread job gains, and they urged federal officials to promote more workplace-based immigration, along with career and technical education. “Employers in most areas remain busy and eager to hire workers, but they struggle to find qualified employees in many metros,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases in 41 States, D.C. Year-Over-Year

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Forty-one states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between October 2018 and October 2019, while construction employment increased in 28 states from September to October, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said that firm’s efforts to increase pay and benefits and do more in-house training appear to be helping them find people to hire despite tight labor conditions.   “Construction employment continues to experience robust growth in most parts of the country,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Many firms appear to be overcoming the challenge … Read more

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