Data Indicates that the Construction Industry Unemployment Hit a Six-Year Low in September

According to a press release issued by Associated General Contractors of America, an analysis of the most recent government data indicates that employment in the construction industry rose by 20,000 jobs in September, and the industry’s unemployment rate dipped to 8.5%, a new six-year low.  In fact, the 8.5% unemployment rate marks a considerable improvement from the 11.9% unemployment rate for the industry just twelve months prior.  Additionally, construction spending increased for the fifth consecutive month in August.

Although all of this data paints a very positive picture of the construction industry overall, public construction remains a sector in decline.  The Associated General Contractors of America warned the data it analyzed predates the federal government shutdown, which may result in weaker industry spending numbers and hiring gains next month, and certainly will produce lower public construction figures.  Additionally, the pre-shutdown numbers still indicate that while overall construction spending increased, public spending remains down nearly 2% from the previous year.

The full press release from the Associated General Contractors of America is available here.