Construction employment declined in 144 out of 358 metro areas between September 2014 and September 2015, while construction was stagnant in 55 and increased in 159 metro areas, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said many contractors are having a hard time finding qualified workers to fill available positions, which may account for the underwhelming employment figures.
鈥淚t appears that many of these job losses have more to do with a lack of workers than they do a lack of work,鈥 said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association鈥檚 chief executive officer. 鈥淲hile some markets are seeing a softening in demand, overall construction spending continues to rise while the sector鈥檚 unemployment rate continues to fall.鈥
Read full press release here.