News

Construction Employment Stagnates in June as Industry Unemployment Rate Drops

Construction employment stalled in June as more former construction workers left the industry, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. 聽The lack of current job openings, along with the departure of experienced workers, suggests a potential skilled-labor shortage may be developing, construction association officials warned. 鈥淓mployment in the construction industry has fluctuated within a very narrow range鈥1 percent above or below the June level of 5.5 million鈥攆or more than two years now,鈥 said Ken Simonson, the association鈥檚 chief economist. While the latest figure was 14,000 higher than one year earlier, the June 2012 total was just 2,000 higher than in May and in June 2010. 聽鈥淐onstruction employment has essentially been stagnant for much of the past two years.鈥 Read the full press release . The news was covered by聽the , , , , , , , and , among others.