Construction employment declines in 49 states and D.C. in September compared to last year

Construction employment again declined in large numbers in all but one state this September compared to last year according to an analysis of new state-by-state employment figures released today by the federal government. The analysis, conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America, also found that the number of states gaining construction jobs from August to September 2009 declined after increasing during the two previous months.

"While there's little doubt construction employment would have been worse without the stimulus, there's no question that the industry continues to shed jobs at an alarming rate," said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association. "The stimulus remains an important measure, but until private-sector demand for construction resumes, there's little chance the current construction employment decline will turn around or even stop," according to an Oct. 21 AGC of America release.

Read full article