The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its April jobs report, revealing that employment in the construction industry increased by 5,000 jobs (seasonally adjusted). While the economy added 211,000 jobs, total specialty trade employment contracted nominally, shedding 1,500 positions in April.
“While the country’s employment report is promising, the Construction Employers of America is concerned that specialty trade construction employment may be stagnating,” said Jack Jacobson, spokesperson for CEA. “Immediate action by Congress and the Administration on tax reform, repatriation of foreign corporate assets to domestic investment pools, and a public construction infrastructure package will shore up employment in the specialty construction sector and keep employment growing across the country.”
The BLS report did have a bright spot for the specialty construction industry as total residential and nonresidential specialty construction employment is up by 127,000 positions over the same point in 2016. April’s loss of 5,100 nonresidential specialty construction jobs serves as a warning and should spur policymakers to take immediate action.
“Our construction firms stand ready to rebuild America,” continued Jacobson. “CEA members continue to invest in workforce development, training, and robust apprenticeship programs to prepare the next generation of blue collar workers to build critical infrastructure. Federal action today will drive further job growth and employ more Americans that will strengthen the middle class for years to come.”
Related Stories
Market Data | May 18, 2022
Architecture Billings Index moderates slightly, remains strong
For the fifteenth consecutive month architecture firms reported increasing demand for design services in April, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Market Data | May 12, 2022
Monthly construction input prices increase in April
Construction input prices increased 0.8% in April compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today.
Market Data | May 10, 2022
Hybrid work could result in 20% less demand for office space
Global office demand could drop by between 10% and 20% as companies continue to develop policies around hybrid work arrangements, a Barclays analyst recently stated on CNBC.
Market Data | May 6, 2022
Nonresidential construction spending down 1% in March
National nonresidential construction spending was down 0.8% in March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Market Data | Apr 29, 2022
Global forces push construction prices higher
Consigli’s latest forecast predicts high single-digit increases for this year.
Market Data | Apr 29, 2022
U.S. economy contracts, investment in structures down, says ABC
The U.S. economy contracted at a 1.4% annualized rate during the first quarter of 2022.
Market Data | Apr 20, 2022
Pace of demand for design services rapidly accelerates
Demand for design services in March expanded sharply from February according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Market Data | Apr 14, 2022
FMI 2022 construction spending forecast: 7% growth despite economic turmoil
Growth will be offset by inflation, supply chain snarls, a shortage of workers, project delays, and economic turmoil caused by international events such as the Russia-Ukraine war.
Industrial Facilities | Apr 14, 2022
JLL's take on the race for industrial space
In the previous decade, the inventory of industrial space couldn’t keep up with demand that was driven by the dual surges of the coronavirus and online shopping. Vacancies declined and rents rose. JLL has just published a research report on this sector called “The Race for Industrial Space.” Mehtab Randhawa, JLL’s Americas Head of Industrial Research, shares the highlights of a new report on the industrial sector's growth.
Codes and Standards | Apr 4, 2022
Construction of industrial space continues robust growth
Construction and development of new industrial space in the U.S. remains robust, with all signs pointing to another big year in this market segment
