Construction employment sluggish and likely to remain so, AGC reports

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, according to a June 17 release.

They also cautioned that construction employment was likely to remain spotty as long as broader economic growth remains relatively modest. Association officials noted that increased regulatory burdens, stalled infrastructure investment programs and "out-of-control" entitlement spending were hampering stronger economic growth, according to the release.