R.I. lost highest percentage of construction jobs in U.S. in Dec.

RHODE ISLAND LOST more construction jobs in December, 6.7 percent, than any other state in the nation, according to a report from the Associated General Contractors of America.  / BLOOMBERG FILE PHOTO/SIMON DAWSON
RHODE ISLAND LOST more construction jobs in December, 6.7 percent, than any other state in the nation, according to a report from the Associated General Contractors of America. / BLOOMBERG FILE PHOTO/SIMON DAWSON

WASHINGTON – Construction employment dropped 6.7 percent in Rhode Island from December 2011 to December 2012, the biggest loss in the United States and Washington, D.C., according to a report from the Associated General Contractors of America.
Rhode Island lost 1,100 construction jobs during the year; in December 2012, Rhode Island had 15,300 construction jobs.
Rhode Island also had the largest over-the-month decline in construction employment, at 5.6 percent, from November 2012 to December 2012.
Massachusetts ranked 25th nationally, with a 0.3 percent employment increase year over year to 106,100 jobs. From November 2012 to December 2012, Massachusetts ranked 21st nationally, with a 1.3 percent gain in construction employment.
According to the industry group’s analysis of U.S. Labor Department data, construction employment expanded in two-thirds of all states in December and in half the nation last year, showing signs that the industry is emerging from a six-year slump.
AGCA officials said that contractors responding to a recent survey expect to add more workers in 2013.
“These results show that contractors are finding work in more parts of the country than they have for many months,” Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, said in prepared remarks. “Further gains appear likely but could be derailed if lawmakers do not keep debt markets operating normally.”
To view the report, click HERE.

No posts to display