Construction employment increased by 16,000 jobs in June to the highest level since October 2008, signaling a new burst of hiring after three months of pause, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America.
Construction employment totaled 6,896,000 in June, a gain for the month of 16,000 -- nearly double the 9,000 jobs added in the previous three months combined. The June level constituted an increase of 206,000, or 3.1 percent, from a year ago. The sector's unemployment rate in June virtually matched the rate for all workers at 4.5 percent, the lowest June level for construction since the series began in 2000.
Construction officials cautioned construction employment gains would likely have been higher if it were easier for firms to find workers to hire. Instead, firms are asking current employees to work longer hours to keep pace with demand. They urged lawmakers at all levels to enact measures that give educators and employers greater flexibility to set up and run construction training programs.
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