Five out of 337 largest communities see annual increase in construction employment in October

Only five out of 337 metropolitan areas saw an increase in construction employment between October 2008 and October 2009 according to a new analysis of metropolitan area employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released today [Nov. 30]by the Associated General Contractors of America. Meanwhile, construction employment nationally tumbled by 1.1 million jobs over the past 12 months alone, with 328 metro areas reporting losses. Construction employment was unchanged in four metros.

"Imagine if the entire population of greater Salt Lake City lost their jobs, because that's basically what has happened to construction employment in America's largest communities," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "In many communities, construction employment isn't just contracting, it is collapsing," according to a Nov. 30 Construction Employment report.

Read full article