CONSTRUCTION JOBS REMAIN FAR BELOW PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS

Construction jobs remain below pre-pandemic levels in 37 states, even though 36 states added building jobs in October, the Associated General Contractors of America reported in a 20 November press announcement.
Twelve states lost construction jobs from September through October. Maryland lost the most at 2,600 and Georgia placed second, shedding 1,800. 
California added the most during the one-month span, at 26,300, followed by Texas with 9,400.
Since February, New York has lost the most building jobs, dropping 41,600, with Texas close behind at 41,500.
Only 13 states and the District of Columbia have grown net employment in the building trades this year. Virginia brought on 7,100 net new workers since the pandemic struck. Kentucky booked 4,300 additional jobs and Alabama 4,300.
The near future looks no brighter, according to Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO.
“With the pandemic raging again in most parts of the country, countless construction jobs are at risk as owners cancel or delay construction projects amid uncertainty about the future,” he noted in the press statement. “Enacting needed new recovery measures now will help protect many good-paying construction careers during what will likely be a difficult winter for the economy.”
Today, the Associated General Contractors of America reported that nonresidential construction and commercial project spending remained flat in October while residential construction expanded.