Construction employment inched up by 8,000 jobs to a 15-month high in July but remained far below the peak set in early 2006, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said a grim outlook for public sector construction activity will act as a drag on expanding private sector construction. They urged lawmakers to pass adequate long-term funding for public projects, without unnecessary strings attached. The industry unemployment rate fell from 17.3 percent a year earlier to 13.6 percent in July 2011, and the number of unemployed people who … Read more

Construction employment increased in 149 out of 337 metropolitan areas between June 2010 and June 2011, declined in 141 and stayed level in 47, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the local employment data posted slightly stronger gains largely because of growing private sector demand for construction. “A lot of metro areas appear to be benefitting from growing demand from the private sector for new construction,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Declining public sector demand is clearly taking a toll on just … Read more

Construction employment increased in 120 out of 337 metropolitan areas between May 2010 and May 2011, declined in 162 and stayed level in 55, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the local employment data reflects the fact that overall construction employment has been unchanged for much of the past year. “While construction employment has stopped plunging, any sign of a recovery remains spotty at best,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “The close to even split between areas adding and losing jobs is a … Read more

Construction employment growth remained sluggish and uneven in May as nearly half – 22 states plus the District of Columbia – added jobs over the past year, while the remaining states all lost construction jobs, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of state employment data released by the Labor Department. Association officials said the figures reflect the fact that industry-wide employment has stagnated as the result of tepid demand for most private construction and declines in public construction. “It's not surprising to see close to an even split between states adding and losing jobs given … Read more