Contractor group: More workers find jobs in last year
Construction industry employment levels grew in much if the country between February 2014 and February of this year, according to a recent study from the Associated General Contractors of America.
Citing federal employment data, the number of construction workers grew in 278 metro areas, dropped in 36 and was flat in 44 areas, the AGC said.
AGC officials said rising demand for housing is offsetting declines caused by dropping public sector investments, declines in oil prices, a labor shortage and a slowing worldwide economy.
"Construction firms continue to add new jobs at a pretty steady clip in most parts of the country," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist, adding that the share of metro areas with construction employment gains was the highest since 2006. "The question is whether declining oil prices, global economic challenges, labor shortages and Washington gridlock will undermine future job gains in the sector."
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