The construction unemployment rate jumped to 18.8% in November as the sector lost another 5,000 jobs since October, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. The data indicates that the construction sector has suffered more than any other industry during the economic downturn, association officials said.
"The unemployment report shows construction still has not broken free of the recession that has gripped the industry since 2006," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. "Other than the stimulus and other temporary federal programs, it has been a pretty bleak four yours for the industry."
Simonson noted that the construction industry has lost 2.1 million jobs since employment in the sector peaked in August 2006. He added that the sector has continued to lose jobs during the past twelve months even as overall private employment has picked up. Since November 2009, the industry has lost 117,000 jobs while the private sector added 1,088,000 jobs. The industry's 18.8% unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, also was the highest of any industry and roughly double the overall unemployment rate.
The only construction segment to add jobs in the past year has been heavy and civil engineering construction, which has benefitted from federal stimulus, military base realignment, and Gulf Coast hurricane-prevention projects, Simonson observed. Meanwhile, residential construction has lost 79,000 jobs over the past twelve months, while nonresidential specialty trade contractors and nonresidential building - the other two segments in the nonresidential category - have lost 62,000 jobs.
Association officials cautioned that the stimulus and other temporary federal programs would begin winding down in 2011, most likely before private, state or local demand for construction picks up. They urged Congress and the Administration to act on a series of long-delayed infrastructure bills for water, transportation and other infrastructure programs.
"We're hoping Congress doesn't cut off federal investments that are almost single-handedly keeping this industry together," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive office. "Even the Deficit Commission understands that the one thing we can't afford to do as a nation is neglect our infrastructure," Sandherr added, referring to the commission's proposal to raise the gas tax to fund transportation upgrades.
Related Stories
| Feb 21, 2013
Female construction executives launch professional organization for women in construction operations
Sarah Creighton and Holly Cindell of McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. of Newport Beach are among a group of pioneering women from Southern California construction, architecture and engineering companies to begin WiOPS—a new professional organization geared specifically toward women in construction operations.
| Feb 21, 2013
BD+C's 2011 White Paper: Zero and Net-Zero Energy Buildings + Homes
We submit our eighth White Paper on Sustainability in the hope that it will inspire architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, developers, building product manufacturers, environmentalists, policymakers, government officials, corporate executives, officeholders, and the public to foster the development of net-zero energy buildings and homes.
| Feb 21, 2013
BD+C's 2008 White Paper: Green Buildings + Climate Change
In this White Paper, we provide concrete ways in which AEC professionals can have a positive role in addressing climate change.
| Feb 21, 2013
Construction team chosen for world's tallest building in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Construction team chosen for world's tallest building in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| Feb 19, 2013
Luxury multifamily project under way in Atlanta; 215 residences planned
Hines Multifamily is building @1377, a luxury complex comprising 215 "urban-style residences" in Atlanta's Brookhaven neighborhood.
| Feb 15, 2013
Could the student housing boom lead to a bubble?
Student housing has been one of the bright spots in the multifamily construction sector in recent years. But experts say there should be cause for concern for oversupply in the market.
| Feb 14, 2013
5 radical trends in outpatient facility design
Building Design+Construction combed the healthcare design and construction sector to evaluate the latest developments in outpatient facility designs. Here are five trends to watch.
| Feb 14, 2013
Brasfield & Gorrie breaks ground on New College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta
General contractor Brasfield & Gorrie is scheduled to kick off construction on the new College Football Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta. With an anticipated completion date of fall 2014, the $66.5 million project will continue the revitalization of the city’s tourist district.
| Feb 14, 2013
Firestone projects recognized for roofing excellence
Firestone Building Products has been awarded the 2012 RoofPoint Excellence in Design Award in two categories: Global Leadership and Advancing Sustainable Roofing.