Construction Employment Declines by 12,000 in November as Industry’s Unemployment Rate Hits 13.1 Percent

Article found on AGC’s web-site …..

December 02, 2011

Construction employment shrank for the second straight month in November as residential, nonresidential building and heavy construction segments remained in low gear, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released today by AGC. Association officials said the employment drop reflects continued declines in public sector investments. They added that construction employment could benefit from increased transportation investments and other pro-growth measures designed to boost private sector demand.

“Industry employment has remained virtually unchanged since early 2010 despite a pickup in some private construction,” said Ken Simonson, AGC’s chief economist. “Although the construction unemployment rate fell to 13.1 percent in November from 18.8 percent a year earlier, the lack of industry job growth means former construction workers are finding work elsewhere or leaving the workforce altogether. That’s ominous for future construction hiring.”

To read the full press release, click here.