Construction employment down in 28 states, year-over-year

The Associated General Contractors of America reported that construction employment declined in 28 states between October 2011 and 2012. However, 31 states and Washington, D.C., reported increases in construction employment during the past month, according to the Nov. 20 AGC release.

"The industry remains stuck in neutral, with close balance each month between the number of states that add or lose construction jobs," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist, in the release. "Despite a strong pickup in homebuilding and multifamily construction, uncertainty about the fiscal cliff appears to be holding back private investment, while public agencies keep trimming construction budgets."

Texas added the most construction jobs, year-over-year, and Washington, D.C., reported the largest percentage increase in jobs. New York reported the largest decline in jobs, and Delaware the largest percentage decrease, according to the release.